When Caitlin Clark looked at the crowd dead in the eye on media day and uttered ‘Championship,’ it did not seem like a far-fetched possibility. This was a team standing 4th in power rankings, stacked with experience, young talent, and a reunion that last saw the franchise in the Finals. But a 26-game in Indiana Fever hardly stands close to the image. The blame? It’s pointed at Stephanie White. First, due to Clark’s injury, and now, DeWanna Bonner’s mid-season exit.

“She was beyond useless for Fever.” These were the words of entrepreneur Dave Portnoy for Bonner when she left the Indiana Fever. Once cheered for bringing in championship experience and veteran leadership, fans were quick to dismiss her after she joined her old roster in Phoenix. Now that she’s moved on, the internet has found another scapegoat– the head coach.

Caitlin Clark and Co. are currently gearing up for their game against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night. Naturally, the question of facing Bonner and Phoenix came to White.” I think she’s fit in perfectly with Phoenix; she does an excellent job,” White said. Commending her ability to fit in any role on the team, the HC remarked, “She’s comfortable there; she’s comfortable in that system. I’m glad that she’s happy, and I’m glad she’s found her spot.”

This comment from the Fever HC has raised the eyebrows of netizens. Fans allegedly believe Stephanie White drove DeWanna Bonner’s mid-season exit. “How do you not wonder if Steph White helped orchestrate the DeWanna Bonner debacle with a response like this?!” a post questioned.

White has been coaching Bonner since 2023. The two were part of the Connecticut Sun lineup and made consecutive semi-finals runs both seasons. Bonner also made two All-Star appearances under the tutelage of White. So when the Indiana-native got the opportunity to coach Fever again in November 2024, she soon brought in Bonner alongside her. White saw her greatness even if she had flown under the radar.

“It’s really incredible, not just her longevity, but her efficiency and how good she’s been her entire career,” the HC had expressed after the 15-year veteran moved up to no.3 on the all-time scoring list. So the second round of this partnership started smoothly, with Bonner beginning the first three games. However, that did not last long.

Lexie Hull began the games, with Bonner going in and out from the bench. The WNBA player soon put herself on the unavailable roster for the Fever due to personal reasons. But this bubble broke quickly enough.

Reportedly, she had no further interest in playing for Fever. Ever since then, there have been speculations of bad blood between White and Bonner. However, neither of them has given any signs suggesting this. But one thing that has got more agreeing is the mishandling of Caitlin Clark’s injury under White.

Is Stephanie White responsible for Caitlin Clark’s injury flare?

Another reason why the Fever fans are after White is the prolonged absence of Caitlin Clark. The reigning ROTY has been on and off the court since June 26 due to a groin injury. Furthermore, she has missed more games than she has played this season. Why is a vital player for the team out with an injury for over a month?

According to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, “Stephanie White did tell us that they will be even more cautious in their approach to her return to play this time.” Furthermore, she added that the star player did not receive sufficient practice to adjust upon her return on June 14th. In the next 5 games, she shot 27.9% from the 3-point line, including a poor 0-for-6 against the Storm before she was ruled out again.

The frustration of not playing the game is also getting to CC. During the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky game, she looked visibly agitated. She even lashed out at her teammates during a timeout. All this chaos is happening on the Indiana Fever side. Naturally, fans are pointing their fingers at the head coach. It will be interesting to see how Stephanie White navigates herself and her team through this tough time.