Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham is known for her straightforward approach. She remains candid about her belief that men should not compete in women’s sports. This resulted in backlash, but Cunningham held firm on her stance, famously declaring, “I said what I said.”
In the spotlight again, Cunningham criticized WNBA MVP and Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson following an incident during Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Wilson confronted a Fever fan and verbally engaged with him over his pointing gesture. Cunningham shared her perspective on this incident during the “No Hesitation” podcast, hosted by her and basketball trainer Drew Hanlen.
“Oh my God! I have so many thoughts,” Cunningham expressed after viewing a clip from the “Pat McAfee Show.” In the clip, host Boston Connor confirmed the fan’s remark, “It (the foul) is on you,” while pointing.
Cunningham criticized Wilson’s actions and the larger issue of athletes facing negative comments. She argued, “We yell from the rooftops that we want equality. We want to be treated like the men. We’re gonna go for them for just pointing and saying, ‘You fouled!’? Like grow up! What are we doing?”
She questioned the fairness of allowing players to confront fans, suggesting athletes should be treated respectfully while fans should support them. Cunningham’s distinct viewpoint arises from her experience as one of the most criticized WNBA players due to her controversial opinions on gender in sports.
“I can say this, because I, hands down, have probably got s— on the entire season, maybe sometimes two seasons — people coming after who I am, my character, what I stand for, x, y, z,” she stated.
Cunningham highlighted a general issue faced by athletes, saying, “You should be grateful to be on this platform. You should be grateful to be playing basketball for a living and inspiring the next generation. If you really want sports fans, then you’re gonna get sports fans. That includes pointing. That includes getting yelled at. Probably [will] be getting called names.”
She defended the fan, stating, “I don’t think [the Fever fan] did absolutely anything wrong.” Cunningham discussed the potential consequences of Wilson’s actions, suggesting suspension could be warranted, yet noting Wilson’s status affords leniency. Wilson wasn’t suspended, ejected, or fined, exemplifying possible preferential treatment for star athletes.
Additionally, Cunningham criticized Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance, former Fever guard and Amazon Prime commentators, for involving themselves in the altercation. “There’s definitely a double standard,” she concluded.
Cunningham expressed her desire for Wilson’s presence in the game, noting, “We wanted her to play. I think that makes for good basketball.” She challenged reactions to her commentary, probing, “Who would’ve thought that someone pointing would cause so many people to go into a mental spiral? That says a lot more about your mental status to anything the fans are doing.”
Cunningham’s comments were compared to another incident involving an Aces fan interacting with Lexie Hull on the court. Fan reactions and media responses unfolded on the platform X, reflecting varied opinions on Cunningham’s stance.
In the space of player-led commentary, Cunningham’s unapologetic approach offers a fresh perspective. Her teammate, Raven Johnson, recently apologized to A’ja Wilson for perceived insensitive comments, contrasting Cunningham’s resolute stand.
Writer Jon from OutKick has covered Cunningham’s candidness extensively, underscoring her challenge to WNBA conventions, including the star-studded roster led by Wilson.