WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is speaking out after being accused of having an affair with married Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Cunningham said the charges 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.
Also she released a statement saying, “I am deeply saddened by the recent false allegations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met.”
“Let me be clear, his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.”
That she Cunningham is in her first season with the Indiana Fever, after previously playing for the Phoenix Mercury.
Despite missing the season’s opening two games because of an injury, Cunningham looks to be on the verge of playing again.
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.”
Cunningham played collegiate basketball at Missouri before starting her professional career, where she was named to the first team All-SEC three times. In the 2019 WNBA Draft, the Phoenix Mercury selected her with the thirteenth overall choice.
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.
Sophie declared, “I will not allow false rumors to divert my attention from what matters most to me, which is basketball, my encouraging team, and my supporters.”
In a statement, the Suns also refuted the accusations.