Sophie Cunningham has been vocal about her thoughts on the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury altercations during their recent matchups. She even claimed earlier that some sources suggested there were tensions inside the team’s locker room. Now, Cunningham has seemingly expressed her thoughts on Alyssa Thomas’ latest statement on online criticism.
Thomas revealed, during her one-game suspension period, that she was subjected to extreme criticism on social media, including death threats. During her post-practice media session on Friday, the Fever forward was asked about the negative things players experience on social media. She said that given the business players are in, such criticism needed “mental toughness.” Cunningham said:
“You can put out statements as much as you want, but at the end of the day, you’re in the entertainment business. That’s where mental toughness comes in. If you’re going to live by praise, you’re going to die by hate.”
Meanwhile, fans did not hesitate to link Cunningham’s statement to Thomas’ complaints about online hate. A user suggested that the Fever forward took a dig at the Mercury forward and wrote:
“Yeah she cooked her all right.”
Another user also believed that Cunningham’s words were for Thomas:
“100% that was directed at AT.”
One more user enjoyed the alleged dig:
“Black Belt in trolling. 3d chess level.”
Another fan believed that even though it was a shot, the Fever star’s advice made sense:
“Direct shot, but she was giving good advice…she would know, obv Cunningham gets a ton of hate of line…”
One more user wrote in the same tone:
“Dayum…….she just called AT weak”
Cunningham and DeWanna Bonner’s moment on the court went viral, as the Fever forward gained widespread attention for her pointing gesture. In the next game, Clark had a serious physical tussle with Thomas that led to a suspension for the Mercury forward.
“I was rotting in my bed,” Sophie Cunningham shares her health update
During the aforementioned media session, Sophie Cunningham also talked about her health after missing a couple of team practices due to illness. When asked about an update on her health, she said:
“Well, it was not like I was on vacation. I was rotting in my bed. I feel better. Just kind of waiting for my energy and this headache to kind of go away a little bit. But I’m here, and so that’s great.”
Cunningham added nine points and two rebounds in the Fever’s last game against the LA Sparks. In the absence of Caitlin Clark, the team will need all its hands against the Las Vegas Aces.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
