Sophie Cunningham Fined $500 by WNBA for Shading Refs in TikTok
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has been fined $500 by the WNBA for a TikTok post that subtly criticized league referees. The post, which featured Cunningham lip-syncing to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” while tagging it with the phrase “@ some refs,” was interpreted as mocking officiating standards across the league.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, sparking both laughs and controversy. While many fans saw the clip as harmless humor, the WNBA disagreed. The league cited the post as a violation of its social media policy, which discourages public criticism of officials.
In response to the fine, Cunningham took to X (formerly Twitter), posting:
“I got fined $500 for this TikTok 🤣🤣 idk why this is funny to me… like ok you got it bud! Cause there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now.”
Cunningham’s reaction has reignited ongoing debates surrounding free expression, player conduct, and priorities within the WNBA. Critics of the fine argue that it reflects the league’s overly sensitive stance on criticism, especially given the relatively minor nature of the post. Others believe professional athletes should be held accountable for even indirect commentary that could undermine respect for officiating.
This isn’t the first time Cunningham has made headlines this season. She was previously fined $400 for her role in an on-court scuffle during a matchup against the Connecticut Sun, a game that saw her defending rookie sensation Caitlin Clark from aggressive play.
Cunningham has been vocal about other league issues, including player compensation and season structure. In a recent practice session, she was heard saying, “Pay us before you talk about anything else,” calling out Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
While $500 may not be a significant financial penalty for a professional athlete, the incident underscores the tension between athlete expression and league image. For Cunningham, the fine may be small, but the message she’s sending continues to make big waves across the WNBA.
