Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is speaking out for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury, and instead of fueling controversy, she’s working to shut it down. The injury occurred during a recent matchup against the Connecticut Sun, when Cunningham collided with Bria Hartley in a play that initially sparked outrage across social media. Many fans were quick to accuse Hartley of acting recklessly—or even intentionally. But Cunningham, who had every reason to be upset, has taken the opposite stance. She firmly believes the incident was just an unfortunate part of the game and is defending Hartley publicly.
On her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham opened up about the moment and her close friendship with Hartley. She clarified that there was no malice behind the collision, emphasizing that Hartley is someone she trusts and respects. “I know Bria, and we’re actually really good friends,” Cunningham explained. “It was a basketball play. I just happened to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. She fell—there’s no way she would try to hurt me.” Her statement cuts through the noise and accusations that have been circulating online, aiming to redirect the narrative back toward understanding and perspective.
The backlash didn’t stop at fans. Cunningham revealed that even her own mother got caught up in the emotional reaction. A now-deleted tweet from Paula Cunningham labeled Hartley “mean” and “out of control,” which Sophie quickly addressed. She admitted she had to ask her mom to take the post down, reiterating once again that Hartley is not to blame. “I told my mom, ‘No, Mom… Bria and I are super cool, and she would never try to hurt me.’” A viral image of Hartley appearing to smile after the play only escalated the misunderstanding—but Sophie cleared that up too, saying it was more of a wince than a smirk.
Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season, Cunningham remains optimistic. She described the injury as simply “unfortunate”—one of those fluke moments that happen in professional sports. Her focus is now on recovery and staying connected with her team from the sidelines. While her absence will leave a significant gap in the Fever’s lineup, Cunningham’s leadership continues off the court, particularly in how she’s handled this situation with grace and honesty. Her decision to stand up for Hartley and dispel the backlash reflects a maturity that speaks volumes about her character.
As the Indiana Fever prepare for the playoffs, the team faces a pivotal moment. With Cunningham out and Caitlin Clark expected to return soon, the squad must adapt quickly to lineup changes and internal dynamics. However, with players like Cunningham setting the tone with their integrity and unity, the Fever seem well-equipped to handle the pressure ahead. The road to the postseason may be steep, but this team has proven it’s built to rise above adversity—both on the scoreboard and in the headlines.
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