Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is fed up. After weeks of headlines swirling around her comments on transgender athletes, she's demanding the WNBA media refocus on what happens between the lines.
Speaking to WISH-TV News on Wednesday, Cunningham didn't hold back, accusing the league's press corps of "covering everything except basketball." The frustration was clear as she emphasized that her initial remarks were made back in March, yet have dominated the conversation ever since.
"I'm going to let people do the speaking for themselves, but for me, I want to get back to basketball," Cunningham said via Front Office Sports. "It's always been about basketball. That interview happened in [March]. I just want to make sure that the focus stays where it should because people are playing at such a high level."
Her July 21st take on transgender women in sports ignited a firestorm, drawing reactions from political figures, anti-trans rallies, and even the White House. But Cunningham argues that the sustained coverage is a distraction from the incredible product on the court.
"There's so much good going on in the WNBA right now," she continued. "I think that basketball is being played at the highest level it's ever been. WNBA media, all we ever do is cover everything except basketball. And it's like what are we doing?"
The backlash has been tangible. During Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Cunningham was booed by the Target Center crowd every time she touched the ball. Far from being rattled, she's embracing the hostility.
"Honestly, I think people think I'm freaking out or hate that. I love that," Cunningham said. "That is sports. That is what rivalries and competitiveness is all about. And so when other people come in and complain about environments, like, I love that. That's what sports is. And so you know it is what it is, and you know I'm here. I'm fine."
This isn't the first time a WNBA star has voiced frustration with the media's focus. Caitlin Clark has also expressed weariness with the constant scrutiny, and some analysts have called out the league's coverage as too political. Cunningham's comments echo those sentiments, but she's staying focused on the game.
The Fever are gearing up to face A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night in Vegas. Indiana's recent loss to Minnesota was their first since July 15, and Cunningham is determined to keep the team's momentum going.
As the debate rages on, Cunningham remains unapologetic. She's not backing down from her stance, but she's drawing a line: it's time to talk hoops.
