“So many ways to insult black ppl”: Olivia Nelson-Ododa fed up after Sophie Cunningham’s foul clip sparks ugly WNBA discourse

Olivia Nelson-Ododa slammed the racist comments on Sophie Cunningham’s foul clip [Picture Credit: Getty]
Olivia Nelson-Ododa slammed the racist comments on Sophie Cunningham’s foul clip [Picture Credit: Getty]

Connecticut Sun center Olivia Nelson-Ododa called out alleged racism after a video of her fouling Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham went viral on social media. The video posted by @HeavenFX on X appears to show Nelson-Ododa hitting the Fever star on the head with her elbow. However, the refs did not call a foul.

Ad

During a Fever possession, Cunningham, who was in the corner, quickly rushed toward the free-throw line to set a screen on Nelson-Ododa, who was guarding Aliyah Boston. The Sun star's elbow caught the Fever player on the head.

Ad

After the video went viral, Nelson-Ododa said she went through the comments section and was flabbergasted by what she read.

"nahhhhh I didn’t realize there were so many ways to insult black ppl before reading the comments 😩😩😩😩😅😅," she wrote.
Ad

The Connecticut Sun center had six points, one assist and five rebounds in 20 minutes.

The Indiana Fever defeated the Sun 85-77. Connecticut has now lost 13 of its last 14 games, and two against the Fever. After 22 games this season, the Sun have won just three and sit at the bottom.

Sophie Cunningham reacts to Olivia Nelson-Ododa's foul video

Sophie Cunningham has become one of the leaders on the Fever roster. From protecting her teammates and standing up for them to celebrating great moments, Cunningham has been leading the Fever's hype train.

Ad

One of the most important aspects of Cunningham's game is her tenacity and the heart to play in the toughest situations. After the video of Olivia Nelson-Ododa catching her on the head went viral on social media, Sophie Cunningham commented:

"they said I flopped. el oh el."
Ad

This is the second consecutive time Cunningham has been the highlight of the Fever's game against the Sun. The last time they squared off, she was involved in a brawl with Jacy Sheldon. When Sheldon was driving toward the basket, Cunningham grabbed her around the shoulders and shoved her to the ground.

Earlier in the game, Sheldon had poked Caitlin Clark in the eye. The Fever guard was later pushed to the floor by Marina Mabrey.

In the aftermath, a petition to fire Cunningham circulated online.

Quick Links

Edited by Alvin Amansec
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications