Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd is catching heat this week after a questionable comment aimed at WNBA standout Sophie Cunningham during a recent podcast episode. The veteran broadcaster welcomed the Indiana Fever guard onto his show for a wide-ranging chat, but it was one particular observation that stole the headlines — and not for the right reasons.
About 20 minutes into the conversation, Cowherd turned to Cunningham and said, “You are kind of viewed a little bit as the league’s … ummm …. sex symbol.” The awkward pause and choice of words immediately raised eyebrows, though Cunningham herself seemed to take it in stride.
“That is way better. I thought you were gonna go somewhere completely different,” she replied, defusing the moment with a laugh. But while the WNBA star didn't appear offended, the sports world at large was quick to call out the 62-year-old host for what many deemed a wildly inappropriate remark.
Former FS1 personality Emmanuel Acho weighed in on social media, writing, “I can’t speak for women, so I’ll ask you all instead. Is it a little weird for a 62 year old man to call, or confirm, you’re a ‘sex symbol.'” His tweet sparked a flood of responses, with many fans echoing his sentiment.
“Yeah that’s totally what she’s known for and nothing else. And definitely not weird or creepy of you,” one fan sarcastically remarked. Another added, “Sure Colin is bad at sports analysis, but he’s also a creep.” A third commenter noted, “I’m not usually the type to get offended by this kinda stuff, but I find it pretty creepy seeing a dude in his 60s sexualizing a female athlete half his age, to her face, on a podcast where they’re (supposed to be) strictly talking ball.”
This isn't the first time Cowherd has stirred controversy with his takes — he's previously blasted the 49ers' Australia trip and taken shots at Alabama's crowd — but this latest incident feels different. Critics argue that reducing a professional athlete to her appearance, especially in a sports context, crosses a line.
The awkward exchange comes amid a period of transition for Cunningham off the court. Her podcast, “Show Me Something,” which she launched with reality TV star West Wilson in July 2025, recently underwent a rebrand. The show, which aired on Cowherd's media company The Volume, has been renamed “No Hesitation,” with Cunningham's personal shooting coach Drew Hanlen now serving as her co-host. The shift has sparked speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions, particularly after a reported disagreement over a trans athlete surfaced.
For now, Cunningham remains focused on her WNBA career, where she's been turning heads with her play and her off-court style. But the conversation around Cowherd's comment is far from over, with many calling for more respect toward female athletes in media.
Whether Cowherd will address the backlash remains to be seen, but the moment has already become a talking point across sports media. As one social media user put it, “Truly embarrassing moment for all parties involved.”
