The Indiana Fever needed more than active players on the court to defeat the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3. The Aces already showed their capabilities in the previous game, and now a loss at home might be a big blow to the Fever’s chances of advancing to the final. Along with fans, Caitlin Clark and her bench were ready to back the home team.
While CC, Sophie Cunningham, and other players do show support from the bench, cameras capture their acts, which often go viral. Whether it’s Clark’s awkward dance moves or Cunningham’s pep talk to Lexie Hull, they make news, and fans shower love on their favorite stars.
But recently, there was an incident where the 23-year-old star and Cunningham appeared to disrespect the team’s assistant coach which drew a heavy backlash.
Fans Criticize Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham For Disrespecting Assistant Coach
Despite being out with an injury, HC Stephanie White was impressed by the 2024 rookie’s consistent support, insights, and involvement in the team. She labelled her number one cheerleader. More importantly the love and support is not for the camera or for games only.
Clark and Cunningham were impressed by Lexie Hull’s latest brand endorsement photoshoot. And they similarly showed love and support for their teammates. But during Game 3, things got a little rusty as both players seemingly disrespected the assistant coach, Briann January.
As it happened, they were vigorously asking for a review of the umpire’s decision. While the Fever assistant coach tried to calm them down and asked them to take their seats, it looked like CC ignored January, and Cunningham also signaled the coach to go away.
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Oh? This is …. pic.twitter.com/slaxjKfNAm
— faith 🏄🏾♀️ (@faithelynnn) September 28, 2025
While both players have a massive fan following and receive lots of appreciation, this action didn’t go well with a few fans who commented on the shared video.
One fan wrote, “Look at how Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark treat their black coaches.”
Look at how Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark treat their black coaches. This is nasty. pic.twitter.com/IUGT8DldlI
— Maya 💙 (@bbwatch1850) September 28, 2025
Another fan wrote, “Idk who gave Sophie this superiority complex.”
Idk who gave Sophie this superiority complex but she’s trash and will be out of the league soon thank god https://t.co/5KBwtwpomL
— Hana 🏀 (@HanaHoops) September 28, 2025
A fan called them, “two of the most unlikable people in the league.”
Two of the most unlikable people in the league. https://t.co/g5vIjBaNsl
— cocofelon (@malicenwndrlnd4) September 28, 2025
Even though it’s not clear whether the players truly disrespected the assistant coach or whether their emotions took over their senses, they must be more careful now when making such gestures.
Sophie Cunningham And Caitlin Clark Show Love To’ Bench Mob’
The Indiana Fever’s growing injury list also put an increased number of players on the sidelines. Even though Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson attended a few Fever games, CC, Cunningham, and Chloe Bibby were regulars on the bench. The group became famous as a ‘bench mob’ following their synced cheering and criticism of the plays on the court.
Recently, Chloe Bibby shared a post consisting of 10 photographs of the ‘bench mob’ with a few special moments. The Iowa star and Cunningham were quick to react to the update and liked the post. Clack commented “Bibbbbs” while Cunningham commented “My Gal” on the post. Fever fans and players get encouragement from the “bench mob.”