WNBA Star Calls for Commissioner With 'Backbone'

2 min read

Sophie Cunningham, a star forward for the Indiana Fever, has openly expressed her pride as an American citizen and called for a WNBA Commissioner with a strong backbone. Cunningham has consistently supported the national anthem and veterans, standing in solidarity with her country during the WNBA Finals.

“Personally, I am grateful, and I support the people who serve,” said Cunningham during a recent podcast interview with host and comedian Theo Von. “We have family members who have served. They’re over there doing things that are unimaginable for us to be out here living our dreams and having the freedoms that we live.” Cunningham emphasized her commitment to honoring veterans and supporting the United States.

WNBA Finals teams are more than happy to strut down the fashion runway, but when it comes to standing for the national anthem, they head for the exits—ignoring both league rules and their own families’ military roots.

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Cunningham also voiced her thoughts on the future of the WNBA, highlighting the need for a commissioner who is willing to take on the hard work and be open to dialogue. She praised NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for his direct relationship with players, stating, “that’s what we need on the ‘W’ side” in the future.

“We need someone to come in here who has a backbone,” added Cunningham. “We need someone representing the WNBA who is willing to do the hard, who is embracing the hard.” She also mentioned the need for great communication and a recognizable, kind face in the room.

Sophie Cunningham is asked about the WNBA players who don’t stand on the floor for the national anthem.

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Cunningham, who briefly mentioned that the FBI is currently watching about 20 people over stalking concerns involving her, emphasized that the next Commissioner should be approachable and human. She criticized current Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not engaging with players, saying, “I think that’s all we’re really asking for is a little bit of respect and just be a normal human.”

“We’re all trying to work for the same goal. We all want to make the WNBA the best it can be,” said Cunningham. She also couldn’t understand how Engelbert and her press relations staff had initially agreed to a sit-down with sports personality Dan Patrick but then canceled it.

Dan Patrick on WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert cancelling her appearance on the show:

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“Be proud of that, want to be interviewed, want to promote your product,” Cunningham said. “You’re denying an interview but people want to talk to us finally. Why are we denying it?” The article ends with a reference to Clay Travis’ solution for the WNBA Commissioner search.