Sophie Cunningham at the Center of Indiana Fever Backlash

The column, published in a New York Times-owned sports outlet, ignited a heated debate among fans, players and team officials after the Fever’s playoff loss to the Las Vegas Aces.

Newsweek

The Fever’s elimination ended a season in which the team, led by guard Catlin Clark, struggled to advance beyond the first playoff round. Throughout the year, the franchise faced criticism over a perceived “toxic” fan environment, with several supporters posting racist and offensive remarks on X (formerly Twitter). Former players and current teammates have previously highlighted the hostile atmosphere, noting the difficulty of competing amid such scrutiny.

Newsweek

Buckner’s column, meanwhile, framed Cunningham’s presence as a distraction, suggesting that the Fever’s return to “being a basketball team again” required her departure. The article also reported that during the 2026 regular season, Cunningham averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.5 steals in 22.2 minutes per game.

Newsweek

• “This was the season when the Fever and even the whole Catlin Clark experience took a backseat to bench a player with big opinions,” — Candace Buckner

Newsweek

• “Showing up every day to compete for fans that may or may not like you is hard,” — Kelsey Mitchell

Newsweek

Social-media users responded with a mix of support for Buckner’s stance and condemnation of the columnist’s remarks. Forward Kelsey Mitchell expressed the personal toll of the controversy, noting that “showing up every day to compete for fans that may or may not like you is hard.” The debate continues as Cunningham approaches free agency, with her future on the Fever uncertain amid the ongoing fan and media scrutiny.

Newsweek