Talk about a head-scratcher! The Women’s National Basketball Players Association is flat out prohibiting licensees from using Sophie Cunningham’s now-iconic pointing meme, slapping it with the label of “derogatory.” This wild news dropped on social media from sports business reporter Darren Rovell, and it immediately set off a firestorm of discussion.
That Viral Point Everyone’s Talking About
So, what’s the deal with this point that’s apparently too hot for the WNBPA? It all started back on June 22nd during a Fever win against the Phoenix Mercury. Things got a little heated when Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner got tangled up, sparking a full-blown skirmish between players. Tempers flared, words were exchanged, and in the middle of it all, Cunningham started pointing directly at Bonner. The refs were busy, handing out technicals to five players, including Clark, Cunningham, and Bonner.
Cunningham herself has broken down the moment on her podcast, “Show Me Something.” She explained she was actually talking to a ref, asking why Clark got a technical when Bonner didn’t. She felt if one got one, the other should too. Cunningham admits she was just pointing, and Bonner told her not to point. That’s when Cunningham knew she had her. She described it as “so stupid” and “the stupidest thing I’ve ever done,” but also couldn’t help herself because it was clearly “pissing her off.” She said Bonner “was losing her shit and all I was doing was literally pointing.” It was pure gold, honestly.
From Court Skirmish to Global Sensation
That moment absolutely exploded. Cunningham’s point instantly became a viral meme, one of the biggest sports moments on social media in years. But it didn’t just stay online, oh no. This thing transcended screens! Bill Simmons chatted about it on his podcast. Cunningham even recreated it when she was a ring girl at UFC 329. Fighter Dione Barbosa used it as a celebration after winning a bout at UFC Fight Night 281. And check this out: fans have been doing the signature point in photos with Cunningham at games and even at her recent kids’ camp! She said the campers “requested that” and would point at her when she walked in, making it “really fun.”
This is clearly a fan favorite, bringing smiles and laughs. So, for the WNBPA to come out and call something that fans and even other athletes are embracing “derogatory” is a massive swing. It feels like they’re trying to put a lid on something that’s already taken on a life of its own. What does this mean for player personality and interaction moving forward? We’re watching to see how this plays out, because Cunningham’s point has gone way beyond a simple on-court moment.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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