Today’s professional athletes live and breathe in a 24/7 digital age where scrutiny, heckling and hounding online is a part of everyday life.
Many players tend to shrug off the noise or release well-rehearsed comments, but Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has never been one to shy away from ruffling feathers.
Thanks to her feisty and no-nonsense personality and media gaffes as well as her game on the court, Cunningham has once again found herself in the spotlight this week, calling out her critics on her own podcast, where she has time and time again made it clear she will not be silenced. Rather than let the constant negativity take over her peace of mind or her image, she said that she considers it a reflection of the troll’s internal state of mind.
“That seems like they’re just jealous and just don’t want to say it to my face, so they’re looking for an easy target,” she said. She’s not bothered at all by the haters, however, and told her supporters that she’ll continue to avoid giving into the drama or feeding the trolls.
“On my podcast, I said, ‘All these people who are just so unhappy or just, like honestly psychotic… That are just so mean and have so much hatred in their heart and hey if you got to take it out on me fine! I’m the one who can handle it because one, I probably won’t see it. Two, I give two s-ts. So do whatever you need to, whatever feels better about yourself.’”
Cunningham’s boldness is just the latest chapter in a series of viral moments and controversies she’s created in her few years in the league.
Going back to her first season, she’s been this vocal and outspoken – protecting a teammate (Caitlin Clark), criticizing league officials and players, and holding nothing back – making her easily the most complex player on the court in the process.
Her reputation of being outspoken has made her the subject of widespread and fierce loyalty from the WNBA fan base and intense criticism from analysts and folks in the league – even as some have called on teams to “toughen up” and stop being so sensitive. Cunningham has insisted she won’t change to appease critics.
So if Cunningham is ever going to filter that personality, this is not the time. She refuses to provide a blueprint for the online haters or some sort of demographic road map for current or future female athletes
And she’s not about to apologize that she is what she is-an outspoken, fiercely competitive basketball player who is not interested in remaining mute and listening to other people’s expectations.
While Cunningham waits to see whether another offer might come her way as she nears free agency, she remains perfectly content not to listen to online noise. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing you can be sure of: Sophie Cunningham is going to be honest about who she is and how she’s living her life.
