Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked-about figures in the WNBA this week, but she's not letting the attention—even from the White House—go to her head.
During a recent practice, Cunningham was asked about the White House posting a clip of her on social media. Her response was careful, measured, and entirely on brand. “Everyone around the world is posting it, they’re just getting on board,” she said. “I don’t really think twice about it. They’re just another group who is posting about it.”
The moment in question came during the Fever's June 22 matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. A heated exchange between Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner escalated, and Cunningham stepped in. She pointed at Bonner while talking to the referee, a gesture that quickly went viral. The Mercury have since been critical of Cunningham's actions, but the internet ate it up.
On her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham explained what happened: “So, what happened is… [DeWanna Bonner] is the one that did something extra, and then Caitlin got the tech. So I walked out there, and I was literally talking to the ref… I was like, ‘Now, Caitlin got one, but why didn’t [Bonner] get one? Because if Caitlin is gonna get one, then she should have got one. It shouldn’t have been one or the other.’
She continued: “And I was just kind of pointing, and [Bonner] like, ‘Don’t you point at me!’ And I was like, ‘Oh, shouldn’t have said that.’ And I didn’t say a word. So stupid! Like, that is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.”
The meme spread like wildfire, even catching the attention of the White House's social media team. But Cunningham's nonchalant take on the presidential nod suggests she's focused on the court, not the politics. The White House post itself has generated plenty of buzz, but Cunningham insists she's not reading into it.
WNBA fans have praised her for sidestepping any potential drama. By treating the White House like any other account, she kept the focus on basketball. Cunningham has been known to keep things light off the court, but her competitive fire remains undeniable.
Next up for the Fever is a Sunday showdown with the Las Vegas Aces. Cunningham will look to channel that viral energy into a win. If her recent form is any indication, the Aces will have their hands full.
