On May 21, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham denied claims she had an intimate relationship with Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein while she was a member of the Phoenix Mercury.
The accusation first arose in a lawsuit filed by Suns security employee Gene Traylor who alleges Suns' vice president of security and risk management Cornelius Craig was telling others that "Josh Bartelstein is f***ing Sophie Cunningham." The Fever guard is only used as an example of inappropriate behavior by Craig and is not a defendant in the lawsuit and is not mentioned in any other portion of the suit.
"I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do no know and have never met. Let me be clear his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful," Cunningham said in a statement on Wednesday.
"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. I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court."
After breaking her silence on the accusations, Cunningham shocked the Fever fanbase by revealing why she's missed the first two games of the season - a broken ankle.
"probs shouldn't have worn heels with a broken ankle BUT BEAUTY IS PAIN," she said in the caption of the video.
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Fans couldn't believe Cunningham suffered a broken ankle before the 2025 WNBA season tipped off.
"ITS BROKEN???" one fan questioned.
"Nooo I've been watching Fever games hoping you will play," offered another.
"Nooooo a broken ankle??" questioned a third.
The Fever will face off against the Atlanta Dream on May 22 in a rematch of the latter's 91-90 victory on May 20.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 6:56 PM.