Caitlin Clark hit in throat during WNBA loose-ball scramble, sparking backlash and game suspension
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark was hit in the throat during a loose-ball scramble, sparking outrage and a one-game suspension for Alyssa Thomas. Fox News’ Garrett Tenney reports on the ‘absolutely unacceptable’ incident and the coach’s reaction. Political analyst Gianno Caldwell discusses Clark’s immense impact on WNBA viewership, including a $2.2 billion deal, and the role of gender and race in the controversy.
Sophie Cunningham is throwing more fuel onto the WNBA fire.
Caitlin Clark’s sidekick is never one to hide from anything, and on the latest episode of her “Show Me Something” podcast, she did not shy away from her true feelings about her former team.
Cunningham once played for the Phoenix Mercury, but last week the Mercury was Public Enemy No. 1 after Alyssa Thomas’ hard foul on Caitlin Clark.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-77. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The foul went uncalled before the WNBA reviewed the play, upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, and suspended Thomas. But the Mercury also poked fun at the incident in a since-deleted social media post.
Continuously having Clark’s back, Cunningham said “no one” likes the Mercury.
“I know people in their own organization — no one likes their team this year. They say that they’re the unfriendliest group,” Cunningham said. “So we’re not the only ones who feel that way. Internal people feel that way too.”
That, however, drew the ire of USA TODAY WNBA reporter Meaghan L. Hall, who said Cunningham should keep her comments to herself.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-77. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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“Goodness gracious. I — 1) This is wildly unprofessional,” she began in an X post.
“2) How is this helping with the points at everything current discourse? 3) There is not any scenario that exists where a player should be saying this about any organization.”
Cunningham spent six seasons with the Mercury before joining the Indiana Fever last year. She was named in a lawsuit last year that claimed she had a sexual relationship with Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein, which she denied.
Indiana Fever guards Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark stand next to each other during the second half against the Portland Fire at Moda Center in Portland, Ore., on May 30, 2026. (Jaime Valdez/Imagn Images)
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The Fever and Mercury will face off again on July 9, but Clark’s status remains in question due to a lingering back issue.
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