It’s only been about a week into the new WNBA season, but unfortunately, off-court drama has been stealing the spotlight from the actual games. From the heated Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese saga to Sophie Cunningham’s name being linked in a lawsuit involving her former team, things have been far from ideal. Oddly enough, the Fever keep finding themselves at the center of every controversy. The WNBA has already launched an investigation after reports surfaced that Reese was targeted with racial slurs. But now, all eyes are on a statement released by newly acquired Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

According to Front Office Sports, former Phoenix Suns Director of Security Gene Traylor filed a lawsuit against the team and its affiliates, alleging racial discrimination and poor security practices. But that’s not even the headline-grabber. Traylor claims he informed Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein that VP of Security Cornelius Craig had been spreading a wild rumor–that Bartelstein was allegedly having an affair with Sophie Cunningham. It was a matter mentioned in passing in the lawsuit, but was blown out of proportion too quick.

Though the Suns denied all claims only hours after the talk went around, with her name suddenly in the middle of a controversy, Cunningham’s response was eagerly awaited, too. And sure enough, she stepped up and released a statement.

“I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” she said in the statement. “Let me be clear his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful. I am here to compete, play basketball at the highest level and win for my team and my fans, while inspiring other women that they can do or be anything they ever dream of becoming,” the statement continues. “I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.”

That’s something Cunningham has often made clear she is standing for- inspiring the next generation, nudging them in the right direction. “I just think for young kids to be inspired to be good people in the community, to be good working people in the world, I just think that’s so important,” she had said last June as Mercury hosted Inspiring Girls Night.

Cunningham herself has grown around strong loving women, with her mother, grandmother, and aunt all having played DI basketball. She credits them for positivity and an advice to never let anyone tilt her crown. You can see she carries it all with her today. So when the spotlight, uncalled for, came her way, fans were here to let her know they stood with her. A few though, couldn’t ignore the larger picture.

Fans react to Sophie Cunningham’s statement

The Indiana guard’s statement sparked a flurry of mixed reactions. Some fans backed her, others remained skeptical, and many were just confused by the sheer amount of off-court drama so early in the season. One fan wrote, “This season is off to a chaotic start 😂😂😂.” Another joined in, saying,  “This league is distracted from the game itself.”

That’s pretty much been the story of Week 1. The spotlight has drifted away from the game itself, thanks to the ongoing Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese saga. It’s been one controversy after another. Several analysts have weighed in, too, stressing that if the WNBA truly wants to grow, it has to shift the focus back to the product on the court. So far, though, the drama has outshines the basketball. But whatever the case, Indiana loyals are here to stand with her.

“we are with you SC!!” on of them wrote. “love u sophie,” came another. As much as the players choose to remain unbothered by all the negativity, Kelsey Mitchell, for one, has made known it isn”t easy. In an open letter to the fans via The Players’ Tribune last year, the star guard had given a glimpse into how the scrutiny and hate speech really got to the team, and they had to remain tight to not let it seep in further. So a little love at a time like this, Cunningham would sure appreciate. More so, because the matter doesn’t stop at the rumor.

There have been theories going around suggesting her last 2-year contract with the Mercury didn’t just come by. Podcaster Rachel DeMita noted a few wild threats and petitions, too, though they were directed towards the Fever as a whole. Under the post, one even bluntly wrote, “Not sure if any of us believe MAGA Barbie.” And they weren’t alone.

So one of the spectators took a stand. “As much as I don’t like her, this situation is not fair to her. It’s not fair when the media makes up things about anyone. I just hope they stop doing it with all WNBA players but I won’t hold my breath,” the comment read.

But most fans just want to see Sophie Cunningham back on the court. One summed it up perfectly: “Also… who cares? When does she suit up? I’m tryna see what Indy is looking like fully healthy.” Cunningham turned heads in her preseason debut against the Minnesota Lynx, but she’s yet to make her official Indiana debut. An ankle injury has kept her sidelined, and fans are eager for her return. With all the off-court drama swirling, many are simply hoping it settles soon. They just want to see a healthy Sophie Cunningham hoop and make a difference for the Fever!