Natasha Howard Publicly Blasts DeWanna Bonner: “A Poisonous Snake with Knife Sticks in the Back” After Abrupt Indiana Fever Exit

In a shocking mid-season bombshell, veteran WNBA forward Natasha Howard leveled strong public criticism at former Indiana Fever teammate DeWanna Bonner, calling her “a poisonous snake with knife sticks in the back.” The scathing remarks come shortly after Bonner abruptly left the team amid internal tension, triggering a firestorm of reaction from fans, pundits, and the WNBA community.

🔥 What Happened: Bonner’s Mid-Season Departure

According to insiders, Bonner informed team management and fellow players just before Indiana’s February road trip that she would not return this season—without offering an explanation. The abrupt exit was reportedly tied to disagreements over her playing time and perceived disrespect within the locker room.

The move blindsided the Fever, leaving coaches scrambling, teammates confused, and franchise leadership facing the fallout of a star’s unplanned exit. Natasha Howard, known for her fierce competitiveness and vocal leadership, didn’t hold back.

Natasha Howard Speaks Out: A Public Call-Out

In a candid post-game press availability, Howard said:

“For too long, we carried someone who turned on the team. There’s no loyalty here. That’s not what we do. DeWanna walked away—and left all of us picking up the pieces.”

Then, Howard dropped the metaphor that hit headlines everywhere:

“She’s a poisonous snake with knife sticks in the back—and we see it now.”

The bold statement immediately made waves across sports media, with debate raging over whether Howard’s words crossed a line—or were exactly the wake-up call Indiana Fever needed.

Locker Room Fallout: Divided Opinions

Reports from within the Fever organization suggest that teammates are split. Some players applaud Howard for being transparent and honest, arguing that teams cannot heal until difficult truths are spoken. Others worry the public confrontation could hurt team chemistry and distract them from the season’s push.

A close source told The Athletic:

“Natasha means what she says. But airing it all in public—well, that’s bold. Some respect her, others think it’s a distraction.”

Social Media Explosion

Once Howard’s words went public, social media erupted. Under hashtags like #HowardCallsOut, #PoisonousSnake, and #FeverFallout, fans and analysts debated fiercely:

Supporters: “Good for her—someone had to say it.”
Critics: “Too personal—should be kept in the locker room.”
Curious voices: “What’s the real story with Bonner? Something deeper must’ve happened.”

WNBA insiders suggest Bonner has not yet responded publicly. The former Mercury star is reportedly currently in negotiations with teams overseas.

The Broader Implications

Bonner’s exit and Howard’s critique surface critical questions:

Team culture vs. individual freedom: Should a player have the right to walk away mid-season? Or does loyalty to teammates come first?
Leadership through confrontation: Howard’s intense message raises debate—can public accountability strengthen or fracture team unity?
Identity of the franchise: With players speaking out so openly, Indiana Fever’s locker room environment is under scrutiny—and may influence future signings.

WNBA Reaction & League Perspective

League officials and fellow players are watching closely. Some former stars, like Candace Parker and Sue Bird, weighed in anonymously:

“Teams have to balance open dialogue with respect. Nat’s tone was harsh, but maybe that’s what they needed to move forward.”
“You hate to see personal attacks, but maybe airing it is far better than letting grudges fester.”

What Comes Next for Indiana?

Coach Christie Sides is expected to meet with players this week in an effort to restore trust and unity. For Howard, this might be a rallying moment—an opportunity to rebuild the Fever’s identity. For Bonner, questions remain: Will she rejoin the WNBA this season? What’s her side of the story?

Final Words

Whether you applaud Natasha Howard’s brutal honesty or see her words as a breach of locker-room etiquette, one thing is clear: The Indiana Fever drama isn’t going away soon—and the WNBA world is watching every move. Bonner’s departure and Howard’s unfiltered critique will echo through the league unless clarity and accountability emerge.