Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham recently drew attention for singing Toby Keith's 'Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue' atop a bar in Indianapolis. The event occurred just hours after the Fever defeated the Dallas Wings 98-87 on Friday night.
Cunningham, who celebrated her 30th birthday on Sunday, performed the patriotic song at Clayton's Country Bar. Patrons joined her in the singalong, captured in scenes of public revelry that followed a period of significant controversy for the WNBA star.
The player had previously voiced opposition to transgender athletes participating in women's sports, a stance that generated protests and counterprotests during recent road games. Cunningham stated that her comments were not intended as hate but as a means to express truth and protect young girls in sports who might compete against biological males.
She later reaffirmed her position, emphasizing the importance of protecting children and stating, "I said what I said, I think it’s common sense. I think I’ll always believe in that, it’s really important to protect children."
Further controversy arose during the Fever's road trip finale when Chicago Sky player DiJonai Carrington was ejected for a hard foul on Cunningham. The incident led to an outcry from Cunningham's supporters. Carrington initially posted "white privilege" on X in response to online criticism regarding the foul, though she later denied it was a direct response to the call without offering further explanation.
In the wake of these events, the WNBA announced its position on transgender eligibility after a meeting of league officials. The league indicated that its current eligibility criteria had no immediate issues and would not be changed, stating that there were "no immediate eligibility matters affecting" the WNBA at this time. The league also called for an end to the "vitriol" directed at its players throughout the season.