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WNBA Star Blasts Rivals for 'Toughening Up' Caitlin Clark
31 Jul
Summary
- Cunningham reveals Phoenix Mercury planned to play Clark "extra physical"
- Cunningham says Clark faces more physicality than other rookies
- Cunningham declares Clark is the "face of the league" despite criticism

In a recent episode of her new podcast, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham candidly spoke about the treatment her teammate Caitlin Clark has faced from opposing WNBA teams. Cunningham revealed that her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, had discussed in their locker room plans to play Clark "extra physical" ahead of their matchup with the Fever.
Cunningham said the level of physicality Clark has endured as a second-year player is unwarranted, even for a rookie entering the league. "It's just too much," Cunningham stated, criticizing fans and pundits who have attempted to downplay Clark's influence on the WNBA.
In a fiery statement, Cunningham firmly declared that no one but Clark deserves to be recognized as the "face of the league." She argued that the WNBA would not be where it is today without Clark's impact, calling those who disagree "dumb as shit."
Despite Clark's absence, the Indiana Fever secured an impressive 107-101 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, with Cunningham making a solid contribution off the bench.