Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White has voiced her frustration over the non-basketball-related controversies in the WNBA. She made her stance clear in a public statement on Tuesday.
Serving as the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year and a former player, White passionately defended her actions after criticisms arose from her comments on DiJonai Carrington’s flagrant foul against Sophie Cunningham. White called for a focus on basketball rather than external distractions.
“The hate, the fearmongering, the divisiveness that’s trying to hijack our league will not win,” White stated emphatically. “We are united. We are connected. We will not be divided… Love will win. Grace will win. Humility will win and kindness will win.”
Indiana responded to the external noise by performing strongly, securing a 106-92 victory over the New York Liberty. This win is part of a series where the Fever triumphed in seven of their last nine games, despite being at the heart of numerous controversies.
Fever All-Star Caitlin Clark was not surprised by the team’s performance or White’s strong response. She was more upset by the boos directed at White during her pregame introduction.
“I talked to Steph earlier and reminded her that we’re human, with feelings, and there are hard moments,” Clark noted. “It’s okay to feel those emotions… There was no way we were losing this game.”
The controversy began when Carrington hit Cunningham in the head, leading to a flagrant foul call and an ejection. This incident also sparked further tension due to Cunningham’s outspoken stance on keeping transgender women out of women’s sports.
Initially, White indicated the referees made the correct call, although she hadn’t seen the replay then. After reviewing the footage, she described the foul as “egregious.” Her initial remarks drew criticism, including from Indiana Lieutenant Gov. Micah Beckwith, who questioned her loyalty to her players.
White clarified her position Tuesday, explaining she hadn’t witnessed the play when first addressing the media. She emphasized her strong support for her players’ safety and well-being.
“Our players’ success, health, and safety are always a top priority,” White insisted. “I didn’t see the replay initially… Was it egregious? Absolutely.”
Cunningham received enthusiastic support from fans when she played during Tuesday’s game. She and White shared a moment of camaraderie after the match.
“There’s been a lot of outside noise but our locker room is solid,” Cunningham stated. “Coach loves us. She didn’t see the clip initially, and that’s okay. Me and Steph are great.”
White has previously faced controversies, including a hard foul on Clark earlier this season. Now, she urges everyone to focus on basketball.
“It’s a shame we can’t discuss the great basketball they are playing,” White emphasized. “I will always lead with love, grace, humility, and integrity. It doesn’t mean I’ll always get it right. I’m human.”