Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has spoken out to firmly deny recent allegations tying her to a controversial lawsuit involving Phoenix Suns executives. The claims surfaced through legal proceedings initiated by Suns security staffer Gene Traylor, who alleged that Cornelius Craig, the team’s vice president of security and risk management, had spread rumors that Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein was involved romantically with Cunningham. The WNBA player, who was formerly with the Phoenix Mercury, clarified that she has no connection to the people involved and was unfairly dragged into the controversy.
In a heartfelt public statement, Cunningham expressed dismay over the allegations, calling them both false and personally damaging. “I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” she shared. “These statements are entirely untrue and extremely hurtful.” Cunningham emphasized her dedication to her career and the integrity she brings to the sport. She underlined her commitment to excellence on the court and her role as a positive influence for young women looking to break barriers in professional sports.
While addressing the allegations, Cunningham also gave fans a surprising update about her recent absence from the court. She revealed that she has been sidelined due to a broken ankle—an injury she humorously hinted at in a video post, joking about wearing heels despite the injury with the caption, “probs shouldn’t have worn heels with a broken ankle BUT BEAUTY IS PAIN.” The video left fans stunned, many of whom had been eagerly awaiting her season debut with the Fever.
The news of Cunningham’s injury came as a shock, particularly since it occurred just as the 2025 WNBA season got underway. Fans reacted with concern and disbelief across social media, with many expressing their disappointment and surprise. One user exclaimed, “ITS BROKEN???” while others shared their hope to see her back on the court soon. The injury explains her absence from the Fever’s first two games and casts uncertainty on when she might return to play.
As the Indiana Fever prepare to face the Atlanta Dream on May 22, fans are hoping for a quick recovery for Cunningham. The rematch follows a tightly contested game on May 20, where the Dream edged out a 91-90 victory. While the team moves forward on the court, Cunningham continues to navigate both physical recovery and the fallout from being unexpectedly drawn into off-court drama. Her response underscores a larger message—one of resilience, focus, and the importance of integrity in the face of unwarranted public scrutiny.
