Stephen A. Smith criticizes Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White over foul controversy

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith publicly challenged Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White after she said she did not see the moment DiJonai Carrington delivered a hard foul on opponent Sophie Cunningham. The incident, which resulted in a flagrant-2 foul and Carrington's ejection, sparked criticism of White's initial praise for Carrington's "tenacity" and her later explanation that she had not observed the play in real time.

White later issued a statement asserting that she had not watched the incident live, that the call was correct, and that she consistently supports her players. She added that she "rides with them 10 toes down all the time" and emphasized her commitment to the team.

Smith pressed White on her responsibility to monitor the game, asking, "How are you the head coach … and you didn’t see the play? … It’s your job to … watch the game. How did you not see the play?"

During the Fever's 108-92 victory over the New York Liberty, some fans booed White, while players Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark defended the coach, describing the criticism as external noise.