Sophie Cunningham makes feelings clear on controversy surrounding Fever originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham has no plans to quiet down as attention surrounding the Indiana Fever guard continues to grow. Cunningham has become a central figure in a contentious WNBA conversation after voicing support for keeping transgender athletes out of girls’ and women’s sports. Her stance has led to demonstrations outside consecutive Fever road games, including Friday night’s matchup against the Portland Fire.
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Before Indiana’s 112-98 victory, Cunningham was asked whether the rallies and reaction to her comments had become a distraction for the team.
Her answer was direct.
“I come in and I do my job,” Cunningham told reporters. “I’m here to play basketball, but I’m also here to be me.”
Cunningham added that she would not “dim my light” because others disagree with her views.
Sophie Cunningham distances herself from rallies
Approximately two dozen people gathered outside Portland’s Moda Center to support Cunningham. It was the second such demonstration in four days after another group assembled before Indiana’s road win over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.
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Cunningham made it clear she did not organize or participate in planning either event.
“I have honestly had nothing to do with them,” Cunningham said.
The veteran guard described the demonstrations as people exercising their freedom of speech. Another rally is reportedly planned for Sunday, when the Fever visit the Minnesota Lynx.
Cunningham received a hostile reception from some fans in Portland. She was booed when she checked into the game during the first quarter, while many spectators displayed transgender pride flags.
She responded on the court by hitting a 3-pointer shortly after entering and finished the victory with 13 points.
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Stephanie White acknowledges frustration
Although Cunningham insisted the situation has not affected her or her teammates, Fever coach Stephanie White admitted she has some concerns about the attention surrounding the team. White said Indiana wants the focus to remain on basketball and the progress the Fever are making. She also acknowledged that the organization must learn how to navigate difficult conversations as the WNBA continues to grow.
The Fever have certainly not allowed the situation to slow their momentum. Indiana won its fifth consecutive game Friday and improved to 19-10. The Fever have now scored at least 100 points in five straight contests while winning nine of their past 11.
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Caitlin Clark recorded the fourth triple-double of her career with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kelsey Mitchell added 26 points, while Cunningham gave Indiana another productive performance off the bench.
The Fever will face their biggest test of the streak Sunday against the WNBA-leading Lynx. Cunningham can expect the conversation around her to continue, but she has made it clear that she will not allow it to change how she approaches basketball or presents herself publicly.
