WNBA fans blast Caitlin Clark's anthem posture while labeling Sophie Cunningham a 'true patriot'

Caitlin Clark has found herself at the center of another heated WNBA debate after footage from the national anthem prompted criticism from fans on social media.

The controversy unfolded before the Indiana Fever's game against the Atlanta Dream, when video appeared to show Sophie Cunningham standing with her right hand over her heart while Clark stood behind her with both hands behind her back.

Clark was facing the American flag and standing during the anthem, but her posture quickly became a talking point online. Some fans accused the Fever superstar of showing insufficient respect, while Cunningham was praised as a “true patriot” for making the hand-over-heart gesture.

One social media user described Cunningham as the only player demonstrating patriotism and criticized the other Fever players for not following the same gesture. Others went even further, directing personal criticism at Clark and arguing that athletes should always place their hands over their hearts during the national anthem.

“ Sophie Cunningham is the only good thing about the WNBA. Will support her but done with everything else,” wrote one fan.

However, not everyone agreed with that assessment. Some fans defended Clark and her teammates, pointing out that standing respectfully and facing the flag has traditionally been considered appropriate behavior. Others argued that the hand-over-heart gesture isn't necessarily the only way to demonstrate respect.

“The hand over the heart is a newer phenomenon and can sometimes be perceived as performative. Prior to the Trump year's, standing up straight in a respectful manner with your hat off worked just fine,” wrote one fan.

Anthem controversy adds to growing attention around Fever stars

The debate comes as both Clark and Cunningham continue to attract enormous attention away from the basketball court.

Clark delivered a major performance against Atlanta, scoring 26 points as Indiana secured a dramatic 95-91 overtime victory. Her performance was another reminder that the second-year superstar remains one of the biggest attractions in women's basketball.

The attention followed Clark to Toronto, where the Fever recently made their Canadian debut against the Toronto Tempo. The visiting star received an enthusiastic reception from supporters before putting together another impressive performance.

Clark scored 24 points, handed out seven assists and grabbed three rebounds as Indiana defeated Toronto 101-95. The game was played at Scotiabank Arena after the Tempo moved the contest from Coca-Cola Coliseum to accommodate the expected demand to see Clark in person.

While Clark was warmly welcomed, Cunningham received a much different reaction from sections of the Toronto crowd. The Fever forward has become a divisive figure following comments she made about transgender participation in women's sports.

Cunningham has insisted that she doesn't hate transgender people and has said her position comes from wanting to protect opportunities for biological females in women's athletics. Her comments have nevertheless generated significant criticism and support.

That backdrop helps explain why the anthem footage generated such an intense response. Cunningham already has a highly visible group of supporters, while Clark's enormous profile means even relatively routine pregame moments can quickly become viral talking points.

Regardless of where fans stand, the incident shows once again that Fever players are being scrutinized far beyond their performances on the court.