Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham remains a lightning rod for discussion in and around the world of sports. While the WNBA enjoyed another round of expansion and a new collective bargaining agreement, the. However, despite all the good fortune and apparent prosperity, controversy continues to hover over the league.
Cunningham, while not a star in the league, remains one of its most outspoken. Her stances against transgender athletes caught attention and appear to have split the fanbase and media. Her last set of responses elicited a reaction on social media.
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WNBA Social Media Reacts Over Sophie Cunningham’s Latest Quotes
When Cunningham initially gave the aforementioned comments during an ESPN interview, many lashed out at her answers. However, a portion of the demographics praised the player. This week, Cunningham attempted to distract from her statements by shifting the focus from her to the negativity in the world. Social media remains divided about how to interpret the reserve’s latest approach.
“She spent the last two weeks being a horrible human. So [expletive] her and any of you simple minded [expletive] that agree with her,” proclaimed one X user.
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Despite the outrage, Cunningham has neither apologized nor attempted to backtrack on her initial statements, and she is being held accountable for comments many consider hateful.
At the same time, her supporters continued to show up and praise Cunningham and her outlook.
“Sophie never ceases to amaze and impress me…..what a beautiful kind soul!!!!” another X supporter stated. Yet, some media members did research, linking Cunningham to her famous associates outside of the WNBA.
“Between her impromptu presser yesterday and videos like this, someone in PR with the Fever and/or the WNBA has gotten the message through. But saying all these things and saying to be nice to people doesn’t change the fact that she called [Dana White] a “friend” and “amazing guy” (after he slapped his wife in public) and taking selfies with unapologetic transphobe [Riley Gaines]. You’ve already told us your values system,” mentioned MSNow columnist Jason Page.
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Cunningham worked as a guest ring card girl during a UFC event, striking up a friendship with Dana White. Moreover, Page mentioned Riley Gaines, the former college swimmer who became an anti-trans proponent.
Yet, through the condemnation, her face still took the opportunity to extol her virtues.
“[Sophie Cunningham] is a fantastic role model,” which is further indication that the Fever star’s comments has split the WNBA community into two in recent times.
Cunningham, for as long as there are microphones in front of her, will continue to be either lauded as a hero or demonized as a villain. How will the WNBA handle this situation if the divide grows?
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
