Sophie Cunningham has told A’ja Wilson to “grow up” after the Las Vegas Aces star confronted an Indiana Fever fan during Game 2 of their WNBA playoff series.
Wilson became involved in an angry exchange with the courtside supporter after being called for a blocking foul with just over four minutes remaining. A security official briefly held the four-time MVP back before she was given a technical foul.
Wilson later claimed the fan had approached her and pointed at her, something she described as unacceptable. However, the Fever announced that the supporter was not removed after arena video was reviewed and officials found no code of conduct violation.
Sophie Cunningham questions WNBA’s decision over A’ja Wilson incident
Cunningham addressed the confrontation on her “No Hesitation” podcast, arguing that athletes asking for greater support and equality in women’s sport also have to accept passionate reactions from fans.
She said: “If you’re asking for all these fans to come, and you have new fans who are real sports fans and they come and do something that a sports fan would probably do if you’re on the opposing team, we’re going to go for them for just pointing and saying that you fouled?”
Cunningham then delivered her bluntest criticism of Wilson.
“Like, grow up. What are we doing? We ask all these things, and then once people come out and support us, we get mad, and it’s inappropriate, and then us athletes need to be treated better, and these fans need to be more supportive and not say anything negative.”
The Fever guard also questioned why Wilson avoided further punishment, claiming the Aces star’s status played a role in the decision.
“But she’s like the LeBron James of our league, and of course they’re not going to suspend her. So I’m not going to get into that,” Cunningham said.
Wilson ultimately was not suspended or fined, with the league determining that she had remained in the player escape lane rather than entering the stands.
With the Fever now eliminated from the playoffs, Cunningham’s comments have ensured the incident remains part of the conversation surrounding an otherwise memorable three-game series.
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