Dan Dakich criticizes Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White over pre-game comments

Former Indiana University basketball coach Dan Dakich said Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White did not adequately defend her players after recent flagrant fouls on Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. Dakich argued that a coach should lead with defending players when a foul occurs, which he said White did not do.

White’s pre-game remarks included a statement that she did not see a foul by DiJonai Carrington on Cunningham and a broader message about love, grace, humility and kindness. Dakich described the comments as insufficient and criticized White’s overall approach.

"Somebody knocks your player on their ass with a flagrant foul, and if you are in a situation where the media will ask you about it, you always lead with defending your players," Dakich said.

Dakich added that he believes a coach should acknowledge when a player is fouled and respond accordingly. He concluded that White’s comments did not meet that expectation.