Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed his strong disapproval of WNBA referees on Sunday after Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham was called for a foul following an incident where she received an elbow to the face from Minnesota Lynx forward Nia Coffey.
The play occurred midway through the second quarter with the Lynx leading the Fever 44-41. Cunningham was defending Coffey when the contact happened. Following a review, officials determined that Coffey's action was not a hostile act and instead assessed a defensive foul on Cunningham.
"Sophie just got 17 of her teeth knocked out and they called her for the foul," Portnoy wrote on the social media platform X, accompanied by a slow-motion replay of the incident. He also directly addressed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in his post.
The Minnesota Lynx went on to defeat the Indiana Fever 108-100, marking their 10th consecutive victory.
Portnoy's reaction highlighted a broader online debate, with many users expressing outrage over the call while others defended the officials' decision.
Cunningham has recently been a subject of scrutiny due to her public statements regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports. During the game in Minneapolis, she was met with boos from the crowd whenever she touched the ball or appeared on the video board.
Support for Cunningham has been evident among some fans, with pregame protests occurring at recent Fever games. While these demonstrations have largely been peaceful, some instances have involved heated exchanges.
In a separate incident last Tuesday, Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended for five home games following an interaction with two Cunningham supporters during a game against the Fever. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a "Trans Kids Belong" t-shirt during Sunday's contest and spoke with Cunningham before the game. Reports also indicated that a protest in Minneapolis on Sunday became physical when counterprotesters attempted to take shirts from Cunningham's supporters.