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Today\u2019s professional athletes live and breathe in a 24\/7 digital age where scrutiny, heckling and hounding online is a part of everyday life.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s internal state of mind.<\/p>\n \u201cThat seems like they\u2019re just jealous and just don\u2019t want to say it to my face, so they\u2019re looking for an easy target,\u201d she said. She\u2019s not bothered at all by the haters, however, and told her supporters that she\u2019ll continue to avoid giving into the drama or feeding the trolls.<\/p>\n \u201cOn my podcast, I said, \u2018All these people who are just so unhappy or just, like honestly psychotic\u2026 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\u2019m the one who can handle it because one, I probably won\u2019t see it. Two, I give two s-ts. So do whatever you need to, whatever feels better about yourself.’\u201d<\/p>\n Cunningham\u2019s boldness is just the latest chapter in a series of viral moments and controversies she\u2019s created in her few years in the league.<\/p>\n Going back to her first season, she\u2019s been this vocal and outspoken \u2013 protecting a teammate (Caitlin Clark), criticizing league officials and players, and holding nothing back \u2013 making her easily the most complex player on the court in the process.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 even as some have called on teams to \u201ctoughen up\u201d and stop being so sensitive. Cunningham has insisted she won\u2019t change to appease critics.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n And she\u2019s 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\u2019s expectations.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s living her life.<\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n