Sports

WNBA Player Receives Online Hate After Incidental Elbow To Indiana Fever Star

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Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Connecticut Sun

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WNBA player Olivia Nelson-Ododa found herself at the center of controversy after a game against the Indiana Fever. The Connecticut Sun center accidentally elbowed Sophie Cunningham on the court.

The contact appeared accidental. No foul was called. Still, she’s received online hate from a number of women’s basketball viewers.

The play came during an 85-77 Indiana win just before the All-Star break. The Fever were on offense. Cunningham attempted to set a screen, which Nelson-Ododa ran through.

A foul might’ve been warranted. It wasn’t called. Play continued as Cunningham quickly got back to her feet.

The incident didn’t have much impact on the game. The Sun trailed for much of the action. There was no effect on the final outcome. No one was injured. No seasons were altered.

Still, criticism came for both sides on social media.

Did Sophie Cunningham flop?

Many believe so, though she insists that wasn’t the case.

“They said I flopped. El oh el.

–@sophaller / X

Fever players have been accused of flopping in the past. Earlier this season, Kelsey Plum went after Lexie Hull for doing the same. That instance was much more egregious, and it eventually led to things getting physical.

Caitlin Clark has also been at the center of flopping controversies.

Cunningham is now the latest Indiana player accused. Coincidence or Fever epidemic? The people are asking!

Olivia Nelson-Ododa received much worse backlash for the inadvertent elbow.

That criticism came in the form of racist commentary on social media outlets. She’s since responded to the hate with a post on X.

I didn’t realize there were so many ways to insult black ppl before reading the comments.

-@OliviaKNelson / X

She later wrote, “Bonus points for creativity tho,” in an attempt to shake the negativity off.

Nelson-Ododa is averaging a career-high 8.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 2025. She hopes to put this behind her and help the Sun improve in the second half of the WNBA season.