Social media lit up late last night with claims that Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson privately asked league officials to put Indiana Fever sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham through an immediate drug screen, insisting that “no woman can sprint like a bull for forty straight minutes.” Screenshots of the alleged request spread quickly, and the phrase “test Sophie now” trended within hours.
According to the posts, Johnson was stunned by Cunningham’s relentless energy during recent Mystics–Fever matchups and reportedly suggested that “something extra” must be fueling her stamina. The rumor also quotes him saying the WNBA needs “a level playing field.” No mainstream outlet has published the document or verified who authored it, but the accusation alone sent fan forums into overdrive.
Cunningham’s work rate has indeed grabbed headlines. In the Fever’s overtime preseason win against Washington on May 3, the veteran guard poured in 21 points, collected eight boards and rarely left the floor, helping Indiana erase a late deficit to steal the game . That performance, combined with her trademark chirping, has built a narrative that she’s suddenly “unstoppable”—fuel for conspiracy-minded spectators.
Rumor-mongers also claim new Fever coach Stephanie White coolly brushed off Johnson’s alleged demand, telling reporters, “Sophie’s only substance is hard work and a 5 a.m. alarm.” The quip—again, unconfirmed—drew applause from the assembled crowd and quickly joined the meme cycle. White, hired in November to replace Christie Sides, has publicly praised Cunningham’s conditioning throughout camp .
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