The WNBA's gratitude police have a blind spot for Fever's Sophie Cunningham
Chicago Sun-Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Sophie Cunningham gained notoriety and endorsements after a viral incident where she committed a flagrant foul defending Caitlin Clark, highlighting her role as Clark's "enforcer" in the WNBA.
- Fans and commentators have frequently questioned why other WNBA players don't show more gratitude or support for Caitlin Clark, reflecting underlying tensions about Clark's rising popularity and its impact on league dynamics.
- The intense fan reactions to perceived slights against Clark may stem from personal identification with players and anxieties about acceptance, leading to heated online debates.
- Cunningham's rising popularity intersects with ongoing "gratitude policing" around Clark, revealing a divide where some fans use Cunningham's stance to challenge the league's progressive culture, particularly on issues like transgender athletes.
- While Clark embraces the WNBA's legacy and spirit, Cunningham's more oppositional stance may attract nonprogressive fans but risks fostering division and undermining the league's cohesion.
