Stephanie White Couldn’t Challenge the Fake Foul on Lexie Hull — Fans Say Refs Are ROBBING the Fever

The Indiana Fever are no strangers to close calls and controversy this season — but last night’s game may have pushed players, coaches, and fans to the edge. Head coach Stephanie White was visibly furious after being unable to challenge a questionable foul call on Lexie Hull, a moment that helped turn the tide of a tightly contested game.

The Controversial Call: What Happened?

Midway through the fourth quarter, with momentum hanging by a thread, Lexie Hull was whistled for a defensive foul that replays clearly showed was either minimal contact or entirely clean. The call led to free throws for the opposing team — and boos from the Indiana home crowd.

Stephanie White immediately motioned toward the officials for a challenge, only to be told she couldn’t.

“She was livid. She looked like she was ready to throw the clipboard,” said one courtside fan.

Why No Challenge?

According to WNBA rules, teams only get one challenge per game — and it had already been used earlier in the match on another questionable call. That meant even an obvious error couldn’t be corrected in the most crucial moments.

“It’s beyond frustrating,” White said postgame. “When a game is this close, and something that impactful can’t be reviewed? It hurts the integrity of the outcome.”

Fans Outraged: “Enough Is Enough!”

Social media erupted after the game, with #FixWNBARefs and #FreeTheFever trending on X (formerly Twitter).

“Lexie Hull got robbed. The refs are absolutely deciding the outcome of these games,” one user posted.

“Stephanie White had every right to be upset. That was NOT a foul,” said another.

Many are now calling on the league to allow multiple challenges or give coaches flexibility in the final minutes.

A Pattern of Officiating Controversy

This is just the latest in a string of high-profile officiating blunders involving the Fever, including missed calls on Caitlin Clark in multiple games. Analysts say it’s becoming a pattern that’s too glaring to ignore.

“At this point, you can’t blame Fever fans for thinking the whistle is one-sided,” said one ESPN analyst. “And when you combine bad calls with no way to challenge them, it’s a recipe for disaster.”

What’s Next?

The WNBA has yet to issue a comment on the officiating in this game, but pressure is mounting. If the league hopes to grow its audience and protect its rising stars, accountability may be unavoidable.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever — and their fiery head coach Stephanie White — will look to bounce back, but they’re making one thing clear:

“We’ll keep fighting. But the league needs to fight for fairness, too.”

Do you think the WNBA needs more challenges? Are the Fever being targeted? The debate is just heating up.

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