Indianapolis, IN – The WNBA drama just hit a whole new level, and the name on everyone’s lips is DeWanna Bonner. After shocking the league by turning her back on the Indiana Fever and allegedly walking away from what fans thought would be a major leadership role alongside rookie superstar Caitlin Clark, Bonner is facing fierce criticism—not just from fans, but from fellow players.
Enter Natasha Howard, never one to mince words, who unleashed a pointed and emotional response in a postgame interview that has since gone viral.
“Don’t act like you’re part of something if you were never really in it,” Howard said when asked about Bonner’s decision. “This team is building something special. You’re either with us, or you’re not.”
Howard’s words came after Indiana’s latest matchup, where the team fought hard despite the lingering distraction caused by Bonner’s departure. Reports surfaced earlier in the week that Bonner had privately expressed frustration with the Fever’s direction and lack of immediate playoff contention—even with Clark now drawing national attention.
The veteran forward, who had been linked with Indiana during the offseason and briefly hinted at a potential leadership role for the young squad, reportedly chose instead to pursue a more “championship-ready” roster. She has since distanced herself publicly from any involvement with the Fever.
That didn’t sit well with Howard, a multiple-time All-Star herself, who believes in building a team the right way. “This is where grit matters,” she said. “We don’t run from the challenge. Some people want the glory without the grind.”
Fever fans erupted on social media following Howard’s remarks. Many felt betrayed by Bonner, who had been seen as the ideal veteran presence to guide Clark, Aliyah Boston, and the rest of Indiana’s promising young core.
“She abandoned the future,” one fan wrote. “You don’t walk away from Caitlin Clark. You help build around her. That’s what real leaders do.”
Others praised Howard for saying what many were thinking. “Natasha Howard just became the emotional leader of this team,” posted another fan. “She’s got fire. She’s got loyalty. And she’s got our respect.”
Clark, for her part, stayed above the fray when asked about Bonner’s decision. “I’m focused on the teammates who are here,” she said. “We’ve got a special group. We’re building chemistry, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Still, the loss of what could have been a guiding veteran hand is being felt. Bonner’s experience, scoring ability, and defensive grit would have added serious depth to Indiana’s roster. But according to league insiders, she chose instead to double down on a title push elsewhere—leaving many to question her loyalty to the development of the women’s game, not just titles.
“She had a chance to mentor the future of the WNBA,” said one analyst. “Instead, she chose the easy road. And players like Natasha Howard won’t let that slide.”
Indiana’s front office has yet to comment publicly on the Bonner situation, but insiders suggest they’ve shifted their focus entirely to those who are “all in” on the team’s long-term vision.
Meanwhile, Howard continues to set the tone—not just with her words, but with her play. She finished the recent game with a double-double, dominating the glass and showing fierce energy on both ends of the floor.
“This is our house now,” she said. “And we’re going to defend it with or without anyone who doesn’t want to be here.”
As the Fever continue their season with Caitlin Clark evolving into a true leader on the floor, it’s clear who the emotional backbone of the locker room is. Natasha Howard has drawn the line—and she’s daring anyone to cross it.
