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Stephanie White Stands By Players After Revising View of Cunningham Foul

Using a pregame statement to push back on online criticism, White retained public backing from team leadership and key players.

Overview

  • A hard foul by Chicago guard DiJonai Carrington that was ruled a Flagrant 2 and led to her ejection occurred on Saturday and left Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham shaken but able to return to play.
  • White initially said she did not think the hit was intentional at her postgame news conference, a comment that drew swift public criticism including a call for her firing from Indiana’s lieutenant governor.
  • After reviewing replay footage, White on Tuesday called the play “egregious,” delivered an impassioned pregame statement condemning online narratives, and declined to take questions from reporters.
  • Fever president Kelly Krauskopf and star players Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham publicly backed White even as some fans booed the coach during pregame introductions.
  • Indiana responded on the court with a 106-92 home win over the New York Liberty that left the Fever 21-12 and well positioned for the playoff stretch while the debate over intent, safety and public accountability continues.