Sophie Cunningham Responds to Critics Calling for Her Departure from Indiana Fever
Guard Sophie Cunningham defended her contributions to the Indiana Fever and addressed criticism, including a recent column suggesting the team part ways with her.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has responded forcefully to those suggesting she should be cut from the team, telling critics to “suck it” during an appearance on her podcast.
Cunningham addressed a recent column in The Athletic that argued the Fever should “part with Sophie Cunningham. She’s too turbulent to be paid with Caitlin Clark.” The piece drew her attention, and she discussed it on her podcast, “No Hesitation.”
“Whatever, suck it,” Cunningham said on the podcast regarding the criticism. “I know what I bring to the table. It’s not always in the stat sheet.”
She expressed a sentiment of indifference towards outside opinions, stating, “I’ve said this so many times, if you’re going to live by the praise, you’re going to die by the hate. The majority of these people have never picked up a ball in their entire lives. And they’re just thirsty to have attention or be relevant in some type of way.”
Cunningham averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game for the Fever this season, shooting 46 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range. During the Fever's first-round playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces, she averaged 7.3 points in 25.3 minutes per game. The Fever were eliminated from the playoffs after losing the series 2-1.
Beyond her on-court performance, Cunningham has also been a notable figure for her public statements on various issues, including her opinions on transgender athletes. Her one-year contract with the Fever is set to expire, and she will enter free agency after two seasons with the team.