Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides has ignited a firestorm after a now-deleted post on X appeared to take direct aim at Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White over a leaked practice video. The footage, which surfaced earlier this week, showed White harshly reprimanding Fever rookie Caitlin Clark for a missed opportunity during training. In the deleted post, Sides seemingly criticized White’s approach, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions between the two coaches.
Sides’ post, which was quickly taken down but not before being screenshotted by fans, reportedly questioned White’s treatment of Clark and hinted at a lack of professionalism. “Accountability is one thing, but there’s a way to build players up without tearing them down. Some coaches forget that,” the post allegedly read. The remark immediately went viral, with fans debating whether it was a subtle shot at White or a broader statement about coaching ethics in the WNBA.
The controversy stems from a video that showed White aggressively calling out Clark for a mistake during practice, sparking backlash from those who felt the criticism was excessive. While some defended White’s intensity, others argued that Clark, already under immense pressure in her rookie season, should not be singled out so publicly. Sides’ post appeared to align with the latter camp, further fueling the debate over Clark’s treatment in the league.
Neither Sides nor White has publicly addressed the deleted post, but insiders suggest this could point to growing friction between the two coaches. White, who coached the Fever from 2015 to 2016, now leads a Connecticut Sun team that has been a dominant force in the league. Sides, meanwhile, has been tasked with guiding Clark through her transition to the WNBA and has repeatedly defended her against critics.
As the situation unfolds, fans are eager to see whether the two coaches will address the controversy directly. Will Sides double down on her stance, or will she attempt to smooth things over ahead of future matchups? Either way, the incident has only added another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about seasons in WNBA history.
