Last week, Sophie Cunningham was asked about the “resources” that the WNBA provides its players to help them deal with online criticism. Cunningham hinted that the WNBA doesn’t do much in this regard, while adding that it’s on the players to display “mental toughness” as they play in a league steeped in the “entertainment business.”
Cunningham’s comments didn’t sit well with everyone. On Sunday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center issued a statement expressing its disapproval of Cunningham’s remarks and urging the league to take action against hateful comments on social media.
“Dear @WNBA: Bigoted, homophobic, and racist attacks on social media and otherwise are not ‘outside noise’ or something the Black and LGBTQ players in your league should have to increase their ‘mental toughness’ to endure. You can and should address the issue with intentionality, strategy, and courage. @WNBAComms @espn #WNBA”
Cunningham’s comments came after Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas said she received death threats and racial slurs following her physical altercation with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark on June 24.
Thomas added that other Mercury players were attacked in this regard as well. The Mercury star went on to call out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for allegedly failing to address this matter.
During a post-practice media session on Friday, Cunningham was asked about the hate people experience on social media.
“You can put out statements as much as you want, but at the end of the day, you’re in the entertainment business,” Cunningham said. “That’s where mental toughness comes in. If you’re going to live by praise, you’re going to die by hate.”
Sophie Cunningham Sidesteps Question About Finger-Pointing Clip Spliced With Donald Trump Footage
As for Sophie Cunningham, she has been putting smiles on people’s faces recently with her finger-pointing meme, which came to life after a recent encounter with Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner.
Last Friday, Cunningham was asked about the White House clip that spliced one of her finger-pointing moments with a clip of U.S. President Donald Trump doing some pointing of his own.
“I think everyone around the world is posting it. Every company has done it…I don’t really think twice about it. I just think they’re another group who has posted about it.”
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