WNBA is in the midst of a firestorm once more, but this time it has nothing to do with a playoff collapse or a last-second shot. Rather, a 20-second joke by guard Sophie Cunningham of the Phoenix Mercury has sparked a heated discussion about censorship, partiality, and whether the league is secretly using a double standard. Fans are incensed after the league office reportedly issued a formal warning to the “Blonde Bomber.”
What appeared to be a harmless, lighthearted interview moment set off the commotion. Known for her unvarnished demeanor, Cunningham made a brief joke about gluten-free food while discussing her off-season diet. “I feel like I’m going to be kind of turning into a rabbit,” was the next statement that went viral on the internet. I’m not sure, but I suppose I’ll become a Victoria’s Secret model. Please call me Angel Reese. The comment was obviously made in jest in reference to Angel Reese’s recent high-profile runway walk at Victoria’s Secret. It wasn’t malevolent. It wasn’t offensive. It was the kind of lighthearted banter that drives contemporary sports culture.
However, social media didn’t think so. In a matter of minutes, accusations ranged from “racial insensitivity” to “clout chasing.” It was presented by commentators as yet another instance of a white player taking advantage of privilege at the expense of a Black superstar. The WNBA intervened with an official disciplinary notice after the backlash escalated so quickly, allegedly cautioning Cunningham that her remark might be deemed “insensitive” or “demeaning.”
The league fueled the fury rather than quelling it. Many analysts contend that the warning was intended to control players rather than to protect them. The league conveys the message that you can only express yourself freely in the WNBA if your voice is in line with the league-approved narrative by clamping down on what appeared to be harmless humor. The comparison with recent remarks made by Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, however, is what truly infuriates fans. Wilson, who has long been referred to as the league’s “face,” made fun of detractors who claimed she gains from favorable officiating just a few days prior. She joked, “The only special whistle I know,” while holding up a whistle during championship celebrations. Many took this as a jab at Aliyah Boston and the Indiana Fever.
The numbers made her critics louder: in one Finals game, Wilson attempted 19 free throws—more than the entire opposing team. But the league said nothing about her jab. No caution. There is no public statement regarding WNBA “values.” It was just called “competitive trash talk.” The outrage is being fueled by this contrast. Wilson is able to make fun of opponents. Reese’s own scathing remarks about Caitlin Clark have the potential to cause controversy. But when Cunningham makes a joke, the hammer falls? Fans notice a pattern: some stars are shielded, while others are targeted with ease.
There have been accusations that the league is creating a story with designated heroes and villains as a result of this selective enforcement. The WNBA’s decision to discipline Cunningham validates the online mob’s accusations that she is racist and problematic. It implies that the opinions of certain players are more important than those of others.
Critics claim that Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is frantically trying to deny this kind of bias. Ironically, it’s possible that this attempt to silence Cunningham backfired. Through appearances and podcasts, she has already been expanding her media presence. She has now inadvertently become a symbol for players who believe their voices are being silenced. It’s possible that the league simply increased rather than decreased her platform.
This controversy comes at a time when the WNBA is experiencing an unprecedented surge in rivalries and popularity thanks to Caitlin Clark. Fans are observing inconsistencies in the league because so many new people are watching it. A sport that takes pride in empowering its players cannot afford to appear to be selectively enforcing the rules. The integrity of the league is called into question when a superstar can engage in trash talk while a role player cannot engage in “banter.” Sophie Cunningham’s warning draws attention to a more serious issue. It implies that the leadership team is becoming more anxious about unscripted personality at a time when fans are more in need of authenticity than ever.
Sophie Cunningham has been advised to watch what she says for the time being. However, fans have clearly heard a different message: in the WNBA, your right to free speech is based on your identity. Silence may be the only safe option for those outside the inner circle of the league.
