3 EJECTED after fight as Sophie Cunningham stands up for Caitlin Clark

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Jacy Sheldon:
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“You can’t do that."

Caitlin Clark:
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“Yes I can. I can do whatever the **** I wanna do."

Caitlin Clark has the entire WNBA rattled
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BREAKING: WNBA Suspends Two Connecticut Sun Players for Violent Conduct Against Caitlin Clark​

PostedJune 18, 2025




BREAKING: WNBA Suspends Two Connecticut Sun Players for Violent Conduct Against Caitlin Clark

Uncasville, Connecticut — In a stunning and highly publicized move, WNBA officials have handed down a three-game suspension and a $50,000 fine to two players from the Connecticut Sun following violent and unsportsmanlike actions against Indiana Fever rookie phenom Caitlin Clark.



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The league’s announcement comes in response to a physical and controversial game between the Fever and the Sun on Sunday night — a game that spiraled out of control with two key incidents: an eye poke by guard Jacy Sheldon and a blatant shove by veteran Marina Mabrey, both targeting Clark.


The Incidents That Sparked Outrage

Caitlin Clark, already one of the most talked-about athletes in the world of professional basketball, was the focal point of Sunday’s match for more than just her game. With the Fever trailing midway through the second quarter, Clark drove past a defender when Sheldon reached out and made direct contact with her face, poking her in the right eye. Clark fell to the floor in visible pain and was slow to get up.


Later in the third quarter, as tensions escalated, Clark was forcefully shoved to the ground by Marina Mabrey following a rebound attempt under the basket. No ball contact was involved. The shove sent Clark crashing to the floor, prompting immediate reactions from her teammates and the crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena.

While both Sheldon and Mabrey were issued common fouls in real time, replays — and widespread fan backlash — quickly led to league review.




The WNBA’s Official Ruling
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Following 24 hours of review and deliberation, the WNBA issued its verdict on Monday afternoon:

  • Jacy Sheldon has been suspended for 3 games and fined $25,000 for “making reckless, targeted contact to the face of another player, resulting in potential injury.”

  • Marina Mabrey has also been suspended for 3 games and fined $25,000 for “deliberate and excessive physical aggression unrelated to the play.”
In a public statement, the league emphasized that player safety is a non-negotiable priority:

“The WNBA is committed to ensuring the safety of all athletes on the court. Intentional and violent conduct, especially when directed toward a player’s face or body outside of legal play, will not be tolerated.”


Caitlin Clark’s Response: Grace Under Pressure

Clark, who briefly left the game for medical attention but later returned, posted a brief but composed message on social media Monday evening:

“Tough game, but we keep pushing. Grateful for my teammates and the fans. I’m all good and ready for what’s next.”
Though she has become accustomed to intense defensive pressure — often drawing double teams and aggressive play — this marked a rare moment where Clark was visibly shaken, drawing concern even from opposing fanbases.




Fan and Media Reactions: “It’s Gone Too Far”

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The public reaction was swift and intense. Social media platforms exploded with messages of support for Clark and calls for stronger protection of star players in the WNBA.


Hashtags like #ProtectCaitlin, #WNBAIntegrity, and #JusticeForClark trended nationally.

“It’s one thing to play tough defense,” wrote ESPN analyst Doris Burke, “but another entirely to attack a player. Caitlin Clark deserves respect, not punishment disguised as defense.”
Prominent voices in women’s sports echoed similar sentiments, including former WNBA MVP Sue Bird:

“Clark is bringing more fans, attention, and energy into the league than we’ve seen in years. This isn’t how we should welcome her.”


Connecticut Sun Responds

The Connecticut Sun organization issued a brief response Monday night, saying they respect the league’s decision but stand by their players.

“We acknowledge the WNBA’s ruling and will support Jacy and Marina during their suspensions. Our players compete with passion, and we’re committed to learning from this incident and continuing to uphold the league’s values.”
Neither Sheldon nor Mabrey has issued a personal apology or public statement at this time.




A Larger Issue: Are Stars Being Targeted?

This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about whether Caitlin Clark — whose rapid rise has made her a cultural and commercial icon — is being singled out for extra physicality on the court.

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Many believe the aggressive treatment stems from a combination of jealousy, attention, and old-school players feeling threatened by the new wave of stardom Clark represents.

“When someone walks into a league and instantly becomes its biggest draw, not everyone handles it gracefully,” said sports columnist Jackie MacMullan. “And sometimes, that resentment shows up in ways it shouldn’t.”

What This Means for the League


The WNBA has struggled for years with viewership and national attention. But in 2025, with Caitlin Clark at the forefront, interest has soared. Sunday’s incident, however, threatens to overshadow that progress.

“This is a test for the league,” said former player Tamika Catchings. “If we can’t protect our most visible and influential players, what message are we sending — to young girls, to future rookies, to the world?”


The league hopes the suspensions will serve as a turning point — a message that physical intimidation will never be a substitute for talent or sportsmanship.


Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the WNBA

As Caitlin Clark continues to break barriers and bring unprecedented energy to women’s basketball, the WNBA must now decide how it will protect not only its stars, but the integrity of the sport.


The suspensions of Jacy Sheldon and Marina Mabrey mark a step in the right direction — but fans, players, and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what comes next.


“I came to play basketball. I didn’t come to be a target. But I won’t back down either.”

— Caitlin Clark
 
AI Overview

WNBA player salaries in 2025 range from a minimum of $64,154 to a maximum of $241,984 for players on supermax contracts. The average salary for a WNBA player is around $147,745, according to DirecTV Insider. However, many players earn additional income through endorsements and other off-court opportunities.

Breakdown of WNBA Salaries:
  • Minimum Salary:
    For players with two years of experience or less, the minimum salary is $62,285. For players with more experience, the minimum is $74,305.

    • Rookie Salaries:
      Rookie salaries are determined by draft position, with the top four picks earning a base salary of $78,831.
    • Maximum Salaries:
      The maximum salary for a player on a supermax contract is $241,984.
    • Additional Income:
      Many WNBA players supplement their salaries with income from endorsements, appearances, and other off-court ventures.
    • Example:
      In 2025, Caitlin Clark's rookie salary is expected to be just over $78,000, according to ESPN.
Comparison to NBA Salaries:
    • There is a significant disparity between WNBA and NBA salaries. The average NBA salary is over $10 million, according to WSN.com.
    • The top NBA picks can earn millions of dollars in their rookie seasons, while the top WNBA rookies earn around $78,000, according to MarketWatch.
 

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“I DIDN’T MEAN TO!” Jacy Sheldon screamed as she took a full-on hair yank from Sophie Cunningham right on the court but Sophie fired back with seven words that kept the fight going n​

PostedJune 18, 2025




In a WNBA showdown that went from heated to downright hostile, all eyes turned to one moment—no, one scream—that set the internet ablaze.

“I DIDN’T MEAN TO!”

That was the panicked cry of Jacy Sheldon, moments after Sophie Cunningham stormed toward her and yanked her hair mid-court in front of stunned fans, teammates, and millions watching live. But what shook viewers even more? Sophie Cunningham’s chilling, now-viral response:
“F*CH!!! I will take down this b*tch.”



And just like that, a basketball game exploded into something much bigger.

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The Incident That Started It All

Everything unraveled in a split second during a tense possession. Sheldon was guarding Caitlin Clark, the league’s newest superstar, when she reached in defensively—but not in a way anyone would call normal. Sheldon’s fingers appeared to jab directly at Clark’s eyes. Though no foul was called immediately, the arena buzzed with unease.


Fans watching courtside say it was clear: Jacy Sheldon’s hand made contact with Caitlin’s eye area, and the move looked far too precise to be accidental.

“If Clark hadn’t blinked and turned away at that exact moment,” one spectator tweeted, “we could be talking about a career-ending eye injury. That wasn’t just dirty—it was dangerous.”

Indeed, medical analysts were quick to point out that any contact to the eye socket at that speed could’ve led to torn retinas, corneal scratches, or even permanent vision loss. It wasn’t just an ugly play — it was a potential tragedy.



If Jacy had actually injured Caitlin, America would’ve lost a generational talent — a monster in the world of women’s basketball. It would be like destroying a thriving tree, a symbol of pride and hope for so many people.

Sophie Cunningham Snaps

That’s when Sophie Cunningham decided she’d seen enough.

The veteran forward, known for her fierce loyalty and take-no-prisoners attitude, made a beeline for Sheldon. Before anyone could step in, she grabbed a fistful of Sheldon’s hair and yanked—hard.


Gasps erupted from the crowd. Commentators were left speechless. Sheldon shrieked in shock, stumbling backward while screaming, “I DIDN’T MEAN TO!” But Cunningham wasn’t buying it.

With eyes blazing and fists clenched, she leaned in and fired off seven unforgettable words that immediately took on a life of their own online:
“F*CK!! I will take down this bitch.”


It was strange. It was raw. It was instantly iconic.


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Fans Explode in Outrage and Support

Within minutes, the entire sports world reacted.



On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #BullGate, #ProtectCaitlin, and #BanSheldon started trending. Fans at the arena chanted “Dirty Play!” and demanded Jacy Sheldon be ejected. Some even claimed they had footage proving that Sheldon’s move was 100% intentional — and they weren’t bluffing.

“Give us five minutes,” one fan posted. “I’ve got the slow-mo replay that’ll show her eyeing Clark right before poking her.”


Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham became an instant cult hero. “Sophie is that girl,” one post read. “She saw her teammate nearly lose an eye and did what needed to be done.”

Even casual sports fans were captivated. Memes featuring bulls, hair-pulling Barbie dolls, and slowed-down footage of Sheldon’s defensive move flooded social media.

Should Sheldon Be Suspended? Should Sophie Be Fined?


The league has remained silent — for now. But pressure is mounting for both action and accountability. Critics argue that whether intentional or not, Sheldon’s reckless move should warrant a suspension. Others insist Cunningham crossed the line and deserves a hefty fine or ban herself.

“This isn’t hockey,” one WNBA analyst noted. “We don’t yank hair in basketball, no matter what someone did.”



But others defended Cunningham, saying that in the heat of the moment, when a teammate is threatened, adrenaline takes over. It’s not about violence — it’s about protection.

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The Fallout Is Just Beginning

As for Caitlin Clark? She has yet to make a public statement, but sources say she’s unharmed and shaken. Her silence has only fueled the drama — and left fans speculating whether this incident will change how she approaches her on-court rivalries moving forward.

Jacy Sheldon, meanwhile, is reportedly “emotionally rattled” and “fearing suspension.” But those fears may be the least of her concerns if more damning footage surfaces.


And Sophie Cunningham? She’s said nothing since her seven-word mic drop, but her actions — and her words — are already being printed on T-shirts.

In a season full of buzzer-beaters, breakout stars, and underdog stories, no one expected the headline moment to come in the form of a scream, a hair yank, and a single question:

“FUCK!! I will take down this bitch.”

Like it or not, that moment may go down as the most unforgettable — and most controversial — of the year.
 
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