“I Don’t Blame Her” — Sophie Cunningham Supports Caitlin Clark Walking Away from WNBA!

In a jaw-dropping development that has rocked the WNBA community, Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly defended the idea of Caitlin Clark walking away from the league — and fans are stunned.

Cunningham made the comments during a heated interview following the Mercury’s loss to the Indiana Fever, where Clark once again took multiple hard fouls and received little protection from referees.

Reporters asked Cunningham about Clark’s treatment and whether the rookie might actually consider stepping away from the league — and her response sparked an instant firestorm.

“Honestly? I don’t blame her,” Cunningham said without hesitation.
“She’s taken more punishment in a few months than some of us have in years. And the league keeps letting it happen.”

The interview clip went viral within minutes. Many saw it as the first public acknowledgment from a veteran player that Caitlin Clark might be pushed out of the game — not by performance, but by physical and emotional exhaustion.

“If she said ‘I’m done’ tomorrow, I’d support her 100%. Because this isn’t basketball anymore — it’s personal,” Cunningham added.

Clark has become the center of controversy since joining the league — praised for elevating viewership and engagement, but also targeted by some players, fans, and even members of the media.

Several recent games have shown Clark being fouled aggressively — with minimal or no calls. Critics say the officiating is inconsistent at best, and negligent at worst.

Cunningham didn’t mince words:
“The refs? The league? They’ve failed her. We talk about protecting our stars — well, what are we waiting for?”

Clark has not publicly said she’s leaving, but insiders have confirmed that she’s been “deeply frustrated” by the lack of support, both on and off the court. Some even say she’s had private conversations about stepping away from the WNBA — at least temporarily.

The story exploded online under hashtags like #IStandWithCaitlin, #ProtectThePlayers, and #SophieSpeaksOut.

Many fans praised Cunningham for saying what others wouldn’t.

“She’s the first to tell the truth,” one user wrote. “If Caitlin walks, it’ll be on the league — not her.”

Other players, however, were less supportive.

One unnamed veteran told a reporter, “We’ve all been through rough patches. You don’t just quit. You fight.”

Still, there’s no denying the impact Clark has had. She’s led the league in jersey sales, TV ratings have soared, and attendance at Fever games is at an all-time high. But the pressure that comes with that spotlight has been overwhelming — and now, even fellow players are calling for change.

“We can’t lose her,” Cunningham warned. “And if we do, shame on all of us.”

Clark, when asked about Cunningham’s comments, remained graceful but firm:

“Sophie’s had my back from Day 1. I appreciate her. Right now, I’m focused on playing — but yeah, it’s been hard.”

League officials have yet to issue any formal response, but multiple sources say internal conversations are happening about increased player protections and officiating reviews.

Meanwhile, fans continue to show love and support. Banners reading “Don’t Quit, Caitlin” and “You Belong Here” have started popping up at Fever games across the country.

One young fan told reporters:
“She made me love basketball again. If she leaves, it won’t be the same.”

As for Sophie Cunningham, she’s standing firm:

“Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is walk away. And sometimes the bravest thing… is speaking out.”

Now, the ball is in the league’s court — before it’s too late.