The Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has caught the eyes of users on social media after she reportedly refused to wear the Pride-themed armband. The practice was allegedly made mandatory by the league, but Cunningham gave her honest opinion on the issue.
As per sources on social media, Cunningham called the mandatory wearing of the LGBT band a “political circus” and reportedly delivered a staunch criticism of the practice. Denying being a part of the movement, she said:
“I don’t care if the whole world calls me controversial – forcing players to wear an LGBT band turns basketball into a political circus. I play for the Iowa State Cyclones, for my team and for the game – not for any movement.”
The WNBA has been an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and is the only league to launch the Pride campaign in 2014 and reach out to that audience. The New York Liberty’s Sue Wicks was the first WNBA player to come out publicly in 2002.
However, Brittney Griner’s coming out in 2013 was a turning point that led other players to openly express their orientation. Other NBA players also reacted to Sophie Cunningham’s statement.
Former NBA player Ron Harper reacts to Sophie Cunningham’s statement
The 5-time NBA champion Ron Harper reshared Sophie Cunningham’s statement about the Pride-themed bands being mandatory for players. He wrote:
“I agree stop pushing others lifestyle into sports if someone have their own beliefs leave them alone….”
Ron Harper is a former NBA superstar, and his two sons are also professional NBA players. Ron Harper Jr. is part of the Boston Celtics, and Dylan Harper is a rookie with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
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