Sophie Cunningham’s $500 TikTok Fine: A Fun and Costly Lip-Syncing Mishap!
Written by 98.9 The Bear on July 24, 2025
Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, just found out that a little TikTok humor can come at a hefty price. After lip-synching to some cheeky lyrics that poked fun at referees, she was hit with a $500 fine. The post, which features Cunningham playfully questioning the officiating with phrases like “useless?” and “slow?” has gone viral, racking up a whopping 1.3 million views since its debut. And while she might find this scenario amusing, it raises eyebrows about what’s really worth a fine in pro sports.
This incident isn’t just an isolated moment of levity; it reflects a larger problem in the WNBA this season. Officiating is a hot topic, with players and coaches, including Fever head coach Stephanie White, criticizing the inconsistent calls on the court. When your team’s star player, Caitlin Clark, faces scrutiny over officiating decisions, it’s easy to see why Cunningham feels compelled to speak up, even if it costs her cash. Who knew that a critical TikTok could stir the pot like this?
So, where do we draw the line between fun and fines in sports? With social media being such a powerful tool, is it really fair to penalize athletes for expressing their frustrations? Let’s have a chat! Do you think social media posts should be considered when deciding on fines for players?
