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Jul 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham caused quite a stir this week when she spoke out against transgender athletes during an interview with ESPN and then doubled down on that stance when given the opportunity. However, it sounds like the Fever are supporting her decision to share her beliefs.
Before Wednesday night’s game against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham addressed the comments she made in ESPN’s profile and doubled down, prompting a statement from the Fever addressing the situation.
Cunningham Speaks Out Against Trans Athletes
During a recent interview with ESPN, Cunningham was asked about her political views as well as the “MAGA Barbie” nickname she has been given by some fans. Cunningham took the opportunity to speak out against transgender athletes.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” she told ESPN. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Despite these controversial remarks, Cunningham insisted that her political beliefs are “very much in the middle.”
“I’m very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume,” she says.
Cunningham Doubles Down
When Cunningham spoke with reporters before Wednesday night’s game against the Sun, she was given another opportunity to address the backlash surrounding her comments. However, Cunningham did not back down.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham said via The Athletic. “And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”
Cunningham was then asked whether she understood why some people might see her remarks as offensive toward transgender athletes. She responded by saying she does not “dislike anyone” and believes there is “room to love everyone.”
“But I’m also there to love biological women, and I think that there are rights that need to be protected,” Cunningham continued. “And, like I said, I’m gonna stand true to that. I’ll never falter in my beliefs in that. But I have never once stated that I hated the trans community.”
“Everyone always is coming at it as a negative,” Cunningham added. “Well, me coming out with that, there are so many people who are coming out with the positive, saying, ‘You know what? Finally, someone has said something.’ And I don’t really look at either side of those because I know whatever I say, I’m going to get hate and I’m going to get love, and if I’m going to live by the love, I’m gonna die by the hate, and that’s just not who I am. I beat to my own drum.”
Fever Announce Decision on Cunningham
While these comments were undoubtedly controversial and some fans even called for Cunningham to be suspended, the Fever made it clear that’s not going to happen.
Following Cunningham’s comments on Wednesday, the Fever issued a statement affirming Cunningham’s right to express her beliefs.
“Our players are thoughtful adults with their own perspectives and voices, and those views are their own,” the Fever said in their statement. “We are committed to welcoming fans from every background and treating everyone with respect, and that’s what guides us as an organization.”
Clearly, the team does not intend to suspend Cunningham for her beliefs.
The post Indiana Fever announce decision on Sophie Cunningham appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.
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