In a stunning development shaking the WNBA media landscape, ESPN has suspended veteran analyst Carolyn Peck for two weeks following a heated on-air exchange that veered into personal territory. The controversy erupted during Thursday’s edition of *NBA Today*, where Peck, a former Tennessee coach and Basketball Hall of Famer, made remarks critics are calling “insensitive and unprofessional” toward Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
The flashpoint came amid a segment dissecting Cunningham’s fiery defense of teammate Caitlin Clark during a June brawl against the Connecticut Sun. Cunningham, ejected and fined $400 for a flagrant foul on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon—widely viewed as retaliation for an eye poke on Clark—has since become a polarizing figure. Her “Spicy Sophie” persona has exploded her social media following to over 1 million on TikTok, but not without backlash.
Peck, 60, initially praised Cunningham’s loyalty but quickly pivoted: “Look, Sophie’s got heart, but let’s be real—girls like her play with that aggressive edge because they know the league protects the stars. It’s almost like she’s overcompensating for not being the face of the franchise.” The comment, laced with implications about Cunningham’s role in Clark’s shadow, drew immediate ire from co-hosts Andraya Carter and Malika Andrews, who cut to commercial amid stunned silence.
Social media erupted. #SuspendPeck trended nationwide, with Fever fans accusing her of body-shaming Cunningham’s “fiery Missouri grit” and undermining her contributions. “Carolyn Peck just slut-shamed Sophie for standing up—ESPN, do better!” tweeted @FeverRisingFan, echoing a chorus of over 50,000 posts. Critics pointed to Peck’s history of blunt takes, including her 2024 critique of Clark’s “rookie fragility,” as evidence of bias against non-“it-girl” players.
ESPN issued a swift statement: “We hold our analysts to the highest standards of respect and sensitivity. Carolyn’s comments crossed a line, and her suspension is indefinite pending further review. We apologize to Sophie Cunningham and the WNBA community.” Peck, reached via email, expressed regret: “My intent was to spark debate on physicality, not hurt anyone. I support Sophie and regret my poor word choice.”
Cunningham, fresh off a $1,500 fine for podcast jabs at UConn’s Paige Bueckers, responded gracefully on Instagram: “Appreciate the love, y’all. Words sting less than blindside fouls. Back to ballin’.” Her poise has only amplified calls for league-wide media training.
This isn’t Peck’s first brush with controversy—her 2019 sideline spat with Vanderbilt’s coach led to a brief ESPN benching—but it underscores the WNBA’s growing scrutiny under the spotlight of stars like Clark. As the league eyes expansion, incidents like this highlight the tightrope analysts walk between hot takes and harm. Will Peck return wiser? Only time—and Twitter—will tell.
