Former Missouri women’s basketball star Sophie Cunningham has denied a claim in a lawsuit filed against the Phoenix Mercury that team CEO Josh Bartelstein was involved in an affair with the Columbia local while she played for the Phoenix Mercury.
Cunningham called the claim in the lawsuit “false accusations” in a statement posted to her X account Wednesday.
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In a lawsuit filed by former Suns security director Gene Traylor against the team alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation, per news first reported by ESPN, Cunningham’s name is mentioned although she is not the focus of the suit.
In reporting from Front Office Sports, the lawsuit claims that the Suns attempted to get rid of Traylor through Cornelius Craig, who was hired as the vice president of security and risk management. In the lawsuit, there are claims that Craig acted erratically, including telling people about an alleged affair between Cunningham, a former Phoenix Mercury player, and Bartlestein.
According to the Indianapolis Star, which obtained a copy of the lawsuit, “Traylor alleges (Craig) was telling others that “Josh Bartelstein is (expletive)ing Sophie Cunningham.”
The Suns released a statement Tuesday through communications executive Stacey Mitch denying the allegations as “entirely false and morally reprehensible.”
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One day later, on Wednesday, Cunningham — who now is on the roster for the Indiana Fever but is yet to play due to a reported ankle injury — released her own statement.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” Cunningham posted to her X account. “Let me be clear: His statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.
“I am here to compete, play basketball at the highest level and win for my team and my fans, while inspiring other women that they can do or be anything they ever dream of becoming. I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.”
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The allegation garnered fast traction on social media after the report became public, including on multiple alternative media outlets.
“To the media who reported on this, I have alway spoken the truth and been transparent with any press inquiry,” Cunningham wrote in a statement. “In this instance it feels irresponsible that I was never asked for a comment about the accusation before several clickbait stories went to print.
“I will not let untrue gossip take my focus away from what is most important to me, which is basketball, my supportive team and my fans.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 3: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball during the second half against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 3, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Cunningham recently was announced as a member of Missouri Athletics’ 2025 Hall of Fame Class. The Rock Bridge High grad is the Mizzou women’s basketball team’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points. The Tigers have not been to the NCAA Tournament since Cunningham graduated in 2019.
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She was one of the WNBA’s marquee offseason trades, moving from the Mercury to join Caitlan Clark and the Fever after six seasons in Phoenix.
Cunningham helped found the Sophie Cunningham Classic, an annual girls basketball showcase in Columbia, alongside her sister, Lindsey, and legendary Mizzou men’s basketball coach Norm Stewart.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Sophie Cunningham calls claims of relationship with Suns CEO ‘false accusations’
