Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper expressed outrage over Indiana Fever fans’ recent behavior toward DeWanna Bonner, who returned to play for the Fever after a short stint with the team. Copper, a four-time All-Star and WNBA champion, criticized the crowd for booing Bonner despite her efforts on the court. Bonner, who joined the Fever in the offseason, played nine games and scored four points in 21 minutes during her return. However, the crowd’s reaction to her return was less than welcoming, with boos echoing through the stadium.
Copper emphasized that Bonner, a respected figure in the league, deserves respect and support. She noted that Bonner handled the negative attention gracefully and that the fan reactions were unwarranted and distasteful. The incident has sparked conversations about fan behavior and the need for sportsmanship in the WNBA. Copper’s comments have drawn attention to the broader issue of disrespect towards athletes, even when they have moved on from a team. The WNBA has faced similar incidents in the past, with fan behavior being a recurring topic of discussion among league players and officials.