Sophie Cunningham has a message for those calling for her departure from the Fever: “Whatever, suck it.”
The Indiana guard criticized a recent column in The Athletic that suggested the Fever should cut ties with her.
The piece, titled “Fever should part with Sophie Cunningham. She’s too turbulent to be paid with Caitlin Clark,” drew her attention.
On her “No Hesitation” podcast, Cunningham addressed the criticism and responded to the article.
“That’s why I literally don’t even care what anyone says about me anymore,” Cunningham said. “I’ve said this so many times, if you’re going to live by the praise, you’re going to die by the hate. The majority of these people have never picked up a ball in their entire lives. And they’re just thirsty to have attention or be relevant in some type of way. … No matter what anyone says to me, I’m going to continue to do me. I know what I bring to the table. It’s not always in the stat sheet. And so for you to like not say I’m effective or any of that, whatever, suck it.”
Cunningham averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 22.2 minutes per game for the Fever this season, shooting 46 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
This season, Cunningham has generated headlines for her off-the-court actions, particularly involving her opinions on transgender athletes.
During the Fever’s first-round matchup against the Aces, Cunningham averaged 7.3 points in 25.3 minutes, though the Fever lost 2-1 after a 94-83 Game 3 defeat on the road.
Despite her stats not standing out to casual fans, Cunningham emphasizes that her contributions go beyond numbers.
“No matter what anyone says to me, I’m gonna continue to do me. I know what I bring to the table, it’s not always in the stat sheet,” Cunningham added.
As her one-year deal with the Fever ends, the eight-year pro enters free agency after spending the last two seasons in Indiana.