Stephanie White and the Indiana Fever found themselves at the center of another WNBA controversy after the events surrounding Saturday’s game against the Chicago Sky. The Fever won 90-86, but the result was quickly overshadowed by DiJonai Carrington’s ejection after her flagrant-2 foul on Sophie Cunningham.
White initially said she had not seen the play clearly and did not believe Carrington intentionally tried to hurt Cunningham. After watching the replay, she acknowledged the foul was egregious and defended her decision to stand behind her players. The response sparked criticism from some Fever fans, including calls for White to be fired.
White addressed the backlash before Tuesday’s game against the New York Liberty, delivering an emotional message about protecting her team from what she called divisive narratives.
Dave Portnoy Questions Stephanie White’s Response
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Dave Portnoy, a vocal Fever and Caitlin Clark supporter, did not agree with White’s approach.
Speaking Wednesday, Portnoy said he disagreed with White and questioned her explanation that she had not seen the Cunningham incident clearly.
“What do you mean you didn’t see the play?” Portnoy said. “You have the best seat in the house.”
He argued that White should have simply admitted she got the initial response wrong rather than expanding the discussion into broader issues surrounding the league.
Portnoy also said Fever fans want their coach to defend the team and its players. The Barstool Sports founder then revealed that he had personally texted Clark about the situation.
Portnoy said he asked Clark what was happening with White and whether she would defend the coach. According to Portnoy, Clark did not respond to the private message, but later publicly supported White.
Despite the heavy backlash, Clark made it clear after the game that White had the players’ support. The Fever star said she hated hearing the boos and that they made her “a little sick.”
Clark added that she had told White before the game that there was “no way we were losing this game for her” and said the players would always have her back.
