Bria Hartley’s Season Ends in Practice After Sophie Cunningham Collision Sparks Controversy..

Bria Hartley’s Season Ends in Practice After Sophie Cunningham Collision Sparks Controversy..

 

In a twist that has WNBA fans buzzing, Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley has suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in her right knee during a non-contact practice incident, just days after her collision with Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham. The August 17 incident, which left Cunningham with a torn MCL, sparked heated debate, with fans and Cunningham’s family accusing Hartley of dirty play. Social media erupted, fueled by images of Hartley seemingly smiling as Cunningham writhed in pain, prompting calls for suspension and accusations of intent.

 

Cunningham, however, shut down the narrative on her podcast *Show Me Something*, defending Hartley. “I know Bria, and I’m really good friends with her. There was no ill intent,” she said, calling it a “basketball play” where she was “in the wrong spot at the wrong time.” Despite her mother’s since-deleted tweet labeling Hartley “mean” and “disgruntled,” Cunningham urged fans to stop the criticism.[

 

Hartley’s injury, announced August 31, came without contact—a stark contrast to the physical play that sidelined Cunningham. Fever fans, still stinging from their star’s absence, took to social media with unapologetic glee. “Karma in real-time,” one wrote. Another quipped, “She didn’t even make it to the next game.” Posts on X reflected a lack of sympathy, with some calling it “poetic justice.”

 

While Cunningham’s teammates reportedly noted her stoic reaction, the Fever guard has remained silent on Hartley’s injury. Both players are now sidelined, their seasons cut short. Fans, however, see the timing as more than coincidence, framing it as the universe settling scores. As the WNBA playoffs loom, the Fever-Sun rivalry burns hotter than ever.