Fever players back coach Stephanie White after pre-game controversy

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and rookie point guard Caitlin Clark spoke out after coach Stephanie White delivered a lengthy pre-game press briefing defending her handling of a recent foul involving Chicago Sky forward DiJonai Carrington and Fever forward Cunningham. White had initially said she did not think the hit was intentional, but after reviewing video said it was "egregious."

Cunningham said the team’s locker room remains cohesive despite outside criticism, adding that White’s earlier comments were made without seeing the replay. She praised Carrington’s defensive abilities and emphasized her own strong relationship with White.

Clark, who spoke with White earlier in the day, expressed empathy for the coach’s experience of constant scrutiny and urged fans to focus on supporting the team rather than fostering division. She noted that the players remain loyal to White and that the victory was achieved "for her and for each other" in the locker room.

White also used the pre-game remarks to denounce what she described as hateful and divisive forces targeting the league, affirming her commitment to the players and the sport.