The energy inside the arena was electric as the Indiana Fever hosted the Connecticut Sun in what was supposed to be just another exciting matchup in the WNBA’s packed summer schedule. But the night took on a different tone as fans erupted not just in support of their team but in a wave of boos directed at former player DeWanna Bonner. The jeers were loud, prolonged, and unmistakably personal. Bonner, now with the Sun, seemed unfazed by the hostile reception, but not everyone was willing to stay silent about the treatment she received. Among those speaking out was Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper, who did not hold back in expressing her disappointment in Fever fans and what she perceived as misplaced animosity toward a veteran of the game.
Kahleah Copper is no stranger to fierce competition or passionate fan bases. The All-Star and Olympic gold medalist has built a career on her tenacity, leadership, and respect for the game. But she also understands the importance of context, loyalty, and perspective. To her, what happened in Indiana was not just about sports rivalry — it was a moment that reflected poorly on how some fans treat the very women who helped build the league. Copper, never one to mince words, took to social media shortly after the game to defend Bonner, ripping into Indiana fans for what she described as “flat-out disrespectful” behavior. “Y’all booing a legend like DB? After all she’s done for this league? Y’all sound bitter and confused,” Copper posted. Her comments quickly spread across WNBA circles and media outlets, sparking debate and forcing many to revisit the nature of fan loyalty and player departures.
DeWanna Bonner is not just another former Indiana Fever player. She’s a two-time WNBA champion, five-time All-Star, and one of the most consistent and durable players the league has ever seen. When she joined Indiana briefly in 2020, it was during one of the most chaotic and uncertain times in WNBA history — the COVID bubble season. She played nine games for the Fever, trying to contribute in a limited capacity under unusual circumstances. It was never intended to be a long-term situation. Soon after, she joined the Connecticut Sun, a franchise she believed offered her the best chance at competing for a title while also aligning with her personal and professional goals. That decision was well within her rights, and more importantly, it was one that many players in her position would have made. The fact that fans chose to jeer her for that choice, years later, came off to Copper and many others as tone-deaf and petty.
The controversy touches on a broader issue within professional sports, especially in women’s leagues that are still fighting for equal recognition and treatment. The idea that a player “owes” loyalty to a team they barely played for — and during a pandemic no less — reflects a misunderstanding of the sacrifices athletes make. Copper, having spent most of her career with the Chicago Sky before joining the Phoenix Mercury, knows what it’s like to commit to a city, to build a connection with fans, and to eventually make tough decisions for the sake of one’s career. She’s seen how some fanbases celebrate former players while others take perceived disloyalty personally, even irrationally. In Bonner’s case, the backlash seemed all the more confusing given how short her tenure in Indiana actually was. To Copper, the incident showed a lack of appreciation for history and a misplaced sense of entitlement.
It’s also worth noting the double standard that often exists in sports when comparing how men and women athletes are treated for making similar decisions. When a male player joins a team briefly and then leaves, fans may express disappointment, but they rarely resort to public displays of scorn years later. In the WNBA, where narratives are more intimate due to the league’s smaller size and tighter communities, departures can feel more personal. But Copper believes that should be all the more reason to offer grace, not condemnation. “We’re all grinding every single day to keep this league strong,” she wrote in another post. “DB didn’t owe Indiana anything. She gave the game her all, like she always does. Respect that.” Her comments earned widespread support from fellow players, coaches, and even some fans who admitted the booing went too far.
This incident also underscores the challenges faced by veteran WNBA players as they navigate the final stages of their careers. DeWanna Bonner has done more than enough to earn respect from every arena she walks into. Her contributions to the game — including her leadership, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure — are well-documented. For her to face such vitriol, even if it was a vocal minority, reflects poorly on how easily narratives can get twisted. Copper’s defense of her was not just about one player; it was a broader statement about how women athletes deserve better. Better treatment, better recognition, and better appreciation — even when they no longer wear a team’s jersey.
In the days following the game, Fever fans and WNBA analysts alike debated the incident heavily online. Some fans stood by their right to boo, arguing that it’s part of sports culture and not to be taken so seriously. Others felt the act of booing Bonner was misguided and that it lacked class, especially given how much she has given to the sport. Kahleah Copper’s outburst may have surprised some, but for those who know her, it was right on brand. She’s a vocal leader, not just on the court but in advocating for players’ rights, mental health, and social justice. Her willingness to call out a fanbase — something few players dare to do publicly — spoke volumes about her commitment to protecting the integrity of her peers.
Interestingly, Bonner herself stayed largely silent on the issue, refusing to take the bait or let it distract her from the game. That restraint only earned her more respect among her fellow players. But it was Copper’s fire that sparked a necessary conversation. In a league that’s constantly striving for increased visibility and respect, moments like these remind everyone that player-fan relationships are delicate and that mutual respect must be a two-way street. Copper’s comments weren’t just emotional — they were strategic. By calling out disrespect, she was also calling fans to be better, to rise above pettiness, and to recognize greatness when they see it.
Phoenix Mercury teammates and even opponents chimed in after Copper’s post. Brittney Griner, known for her own battles with fan and media criticism, reposted Copper’s comments with the caption “facts.” Players like A’ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd echoed the sentiment, applauding Copper’s boldness and Bonner’s grace. In a league where unity is often celebrated, this incident became a rallying point for players across teams and rivalries. It showed the deep bond shared among WNBA athletes and how fiercely they’ll protect each other in the face of disrespect.
The bigger lesson here is one about growth. Growth for fans, who need to evolve with the times and understand the broader picture. Growth for the league, as it continues to attract more national attention and higher standards of professionalism. And growth for media coverage, which too often overlooks the emotional and mental toll these public moments can have on players. Copper’s defense of Bonner wasn’t just an act of friendship — it was a bold stand for all women in sport. A reminder that respect isn’t earned solely through longevity on one team, but through consistent excellence and unwavering passion for the game.
As the WNBA continues to ascend in popularity, with stars like Copper, Bonner, and others leading the way, incidents like this will inevitably become part of the league’s growing pains. But how they are handled — especially when players speak up with clarity and courage — will shape the league’s identity for years to come. Kahleah Copper wasn’t just defending a friend; she was setting a precedent. A declaration that mistreatment, no matter how subtle or loud, won’t go unchecked. And in doing so, she reaffirmed a truth that too often gets lost in the noise of fandom: the players are human beings first. Their journeys, choices, and legacies deserve more than boos and bitterness. They deserve understanding, and above all, respect.
