Sophie Cunningham Stoutly Denies Josh Bartelstein Involvement in Statement Following Discrimination Lawsuit

Sophie Cunningham was named in a lawsuit alleging Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein of workplace discrimination.

Sophie Cunningham Stoutly Denies Josh Bartelstein Involvement in Statement Following Discrimination Lawsuit

Sophie Cunningham (Image via Instagram)

Sophie Cunningham caused a stir during and after the 2024 WNBA season after her support for Donald Trump. After signing with the Indiana Fever, Cunningham had hoped to turn some of the public opinion about her around. Her new team’s fanbase has reacted well to her friendships with Lexie Hull and Caitlin Clark. This progress has been undone over the past few days, with a lawsuit hanging over her head.

Former Suns security director Gene Traylor filed a lawsuit against the team alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation, as first reported by ESPN. Sophie Cunningham’s name is mentioned, although she is not the focus of the suit. It alleges that team CEO Josh Bartelstein was involved in an affair with the Columbia local while she played for the Phoenix Mercury.

According to reports from Front Office Sports, the lawsuit claims that the Suns attempted to get rid of Traylor through Cornelius Craig, the vice president of security and risk management. The lawsuit alleges that Craig acted erratically, including telling people about an alleged affair between Cunningham, a former Phoenix Mercury player, and Bartelstein.

The Phoenix Suns released a statement defending Bartelstein, who is also the president of the Mercury. Cunningham, in turn, has posted her own statement stating her innocence:

I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and never have met. Let me be clear, his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful. 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. I hold myself to the highet integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.

Sophie Cunningham’s statement

The former Phoenix Mercury guard added that she would cooperate and be transparent with the legal enquiry and process. She also expressed her disappointment at not being asked for comments on the highly personal accusations against her.

Cunningham is currently out of action after suffering an ankle sprain in Indiana’s final preseason game on May 10th. She returned to open practice ahead of their game against the Atlanta Dream, but is yet to make an appearance on the floor this season.

Sophie Cunningham has become fast friends with Caitlin Clark

Sophie Cunningham had glowing words of praise for her superstar new teammate. After all, the advent of Clark has turned the WNBA into a mainstream sports league overnight.

I just think she’s had a lot of pressure put on her shoulder. A lot of people haven’t walked in her footsteps, so it’s easy to judge and to say things. I think we have to be there for each other and empower each other.

Sophie Cunningham had said

Cunningham also revealed that she had tried to recruit Clark at the 2024 WNBA All-Star game.

At the All-Star game, we were just having fun. She was playing, I was having a good time on the sideline. I told her, ‘Hey, if you ever want to come to Phoenix, let me know.’ That kind of backfired on me. Now I’m here, which is great.

She also revealed her desire to attend a Chiefs game with her new teammate in an interview with Chiefs Wire:

Hell yeah! We’d better…Like, I think it’s funny that she’s (Caitlin Clark) a big Kansas City fan (Not Kansas). I think it’ll be fun for us to catch a game.

Cunningham, Lexie Hull and Caitlin Clark have already become fan favorites as the Fever’s 2025 season kicks off to an uneven start.

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