The Indiana Fever delivered the news fans feared most — Sophie Cunningham will not return this season.

The guard went down with a right knee injury during Sunday’s matchup with the Connecticut Sun after Bria Hartley fell onto her leg while driving to the hoop. Cunningham immediately grabbed her leg and cried out in pain, signaling the severity.

In the aftermath, her mother and sister publicly criticized Hartley and the officials in separate social media posts.

An MRI on Monday confirmed a torn MCL, officially ending Cunningham’s debut season in Indiana. Before the injury, she was averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while filling in as a part-time starter during Caitlin Clark’s extended absence.

“The Indiana Fever announced today that guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season after sustaining an injury in Sunday’s contest at the Connecticut Sun,” the franchise confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Cunningham’s Setback Adds To Fever’s Injury Woes

Cunningham tried to encourage her teammates with a short but determined message as she was helped off the court, but her season is now officially over.

This blow is the third season-ending loss for the Fever backcourt in less than two weeks, following injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson, while Clark also remains sidelined.

To address the roster crunch, Indiana signed veteran guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract, releasing Kyra Lambert in the process.

Some fans have speculated about Hartley’s intentions after a widely shared photo of the incident fueled debate online.

Though Cunningham is expected to recover fully and stay active in the locker room, the timing couldn’t be worse for a Fever squad fighting for a playoff berth with under a month left in the regular season.

Brittney Griner Speaks After Alleged Caitlin Clark Remark

Another storyline circling the WNBA involves Brittney Griner and alleged comments directed at Caitlin Clark.

The Atlanta Dream center sparked controversy when fans believed she insulted Clark after fouling out of a game. Broadcast footage showed a frustrated Griner mouthing words as she walked to the bench, with some viewers claiming she called Clark a “trash f—ing white girl.”

With no audio and divided lip readings, nothing was confirmed. Still, speculation grew until Griner finally addressed the moment ahead of a June 15 game against the Washington Mystics. She downplayed the incident, saying, “I remember fouling out, being mad. I think it was [Natasha] Howard driving to the basket. They said I had my hand in.”

WNBA Declines To Investigate Griner

Despite a viral clip showing Griner apparently using the slur during Indiana’s 81-76 win in Atlanta, the league chose not to open an investigation.

The Olympic gold medalist essentially avoided consequences, as officials declined to pursue the matter further.

This isn’t the first time Griner’s frustrations boiled over this season. In another instance, she abruptly left a postgame interview, shouting at referees to “be f—ing better.”