WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is speaking out after being accused of having an affair with married Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein.
Cunningham released a statement on Wednesday declaring that the accusations against her are “false.”
The accusations came about when Suns employee Gene Traylor filed a lawsuit against the organization for alleged discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent false allegations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” [Cunningham said in a statement](https://x.com/sophaller/status/1925243571956830574).
“Let me be clear, his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.”
Sophie Cunningham is in her first season with the Indiana Fever, after previously playing for the Phoenix Mercury.
Cunningham missed the first two games of the season due to an injury but appears to be close to returning to action.
She said that she is ready to get back on the court and move on from the allegations that she insists are untrue.
“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 from Cunningham continues.
“I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.”
Prior to beginning her professional basketball career, Cunningham played college basketball at Missouri, earning first-team All-SEC honors three times. She was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
She has gone on to have an excellent career, with her best year coming in 2022 when she averaged 12.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.
Caitlin Clark and the Fever are hopeful that Cunningham can get them over the hump and help Indiana compete for a championship in 2025.
“I will not let untrue gossip take my focus away from what is most important to me, which is basketball, my supportive team and my fans,” Cunningham said.
The Suns have also denied the allegations in a statement.