Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to playing provocateur off the WNBA court, but a recent social media post by the Indiana Fever guard has triggered backlash from some fans – particularly those loyal to her teammate, Caitlin Clark.

While Cunningham and the 23-year-old have forged a strong connection both on and off the floor this season, that chemistry was tested in the court of public opinion when Sophie reshared a meme that some interpreted as mocking the second-year star.

Sophie Cunningham talks about how Caitlin Clark is being targeted in the WNBA

The image depicted the popular “trumpet guy” meme, with the trumpeter labeled as Caitlin and the girl beside him, clearly annoyed, as Sophie, with Lexie Hull also involved too.

“I’ve never seen anything more true,” Cunningham wrote online, clearly in jest. But whilst the intention may have been humorous, but for many Clark supporters, the timing and tone didn’t sit well.

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Though the 26-year-old has been one of Clark‘s most vocal defenders, some fans questioned whether the meme crossed the line into disrespect, warning her away from such jibes.

One fan commented via X.com, formerly Twitter, “I wouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you.

A second said, “Without Clark, would anyone even know you exist? Ever think of posting something about yourself for once?”

Whilst others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Cunningham and Hull had become more prominent largely thanks to Clark‘s popularity and meteoric rise in the WNBA.

Why the criticism isn’t fair at all

While the criticism mounted, it’s important to note that the repost was consistent with Cunningham‘s longstanding penchant for online banter and Clark doesn’t seem to mind it at all.

Cunningham has always leaned into sarcasm and exaggeration on social media, often as part of a broader dynamic within the team. On the court, however, she will not tolerate anyone disrespecting CC.

Cunningham has repeatedly backed up the guard. One of the most visible moments came during a game against the Connecticut Sun, when Sophie was ejected after confronting Jacy Sheldon.

That came moments after a scuffle involving Sheldon and Clark and it was a physical show of support that reinforced the trust between the teammates, and a message that you can’t hurt the WNBA star and get away with it.

“We really do love each other, love spending time together,” Cunningham said earlier in the season, emphasizing the closeness between her and Clark.

Cunningham, a six-year veteran, built a solid WNBA resume with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Fever, boasting a career field goal percentage of 42.4% and Hull, meanwhile, is an NCAA national champion with Stanford.

She is also a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup winner this 2025 season, in a victory the Fever secured without Clark, who missed the game due to injury.

Suggesting these players owe their relevance entirely to someone else erases their legitimate contributions to the league and to Indiana’s evolving success this season.