Indiana Fever backs coach after controversy over hard foul on Sophie Cunningham

Indiana announced on Tuesday that head coach Christie White will remain in her position after a recent incident in which Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington delivered a hard foul on Fever forward Sophie Cunningham. White said she did not believe the play was intentional, describing it as a reckless but not malicious foul. The comment drew criticism from some commentators, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who called for White's dismissal. In a statement, the Fever said White has "done a tremendous job leading the Fever" and praised her for keeping the team focused during a high-profile season. White responded at a pre-game press conference, emphasizing unity within the WNBA and rejecting attempts to create division.

"The hate, the fear-mongering, the stuff that's trying to hijack our league will not win. We are united. We are connected. I stand by them. I will always stand by them," White said.