Cunningham is under fire for defending women's sports and Hill wasted little time weighing in.Following Indiana's 105-95 win over Seattle, a reporter questioned Fever head coach Stephanie White about a "Support Sophie Cunningham" rally outside Climate Pledge Arena.SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM RALLY ROCKS WNBA GAME AS 'SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS' ACTIVISTS FACE COUNTERPROTESTA spokesperson stepped in to answer with a prepared statement from the Fever."Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers.Our only goal as a team, whether at home or away, is to win basketball games and make Fever fans for life, and we are united in that mission."Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston watch a loose ball during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash., on July 28, 2026.
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Posting on X, Hill accused Cunningham of "ducking the smoke" while claiming the Fever betrayed Stephanie White and the rest of the team by shielding Cunningham from questions.JEMELE HILL IS RIGHT: WNBA FANS EXPECT JOURNALISTS TO BE 'CHEERLEADERS,' AND THAT'S NOT HOW THIS WORKS"Just a couple weeks ago, Sophie Cunningham was asked about the negative attention the W receives and she essentially said, that's part of the job and she realizes she's an entertainer.Cool."She's building an entire brand on being outspoken and yet when the smoke came, she ducked it.
The Fever betrayed their other players and Stephanie White by putting them in a position to answer to something they didn't say."Hill went a step further, arguing a WNBA reporter was justified in pressing the Fever about the rally during the postgame media session.STORM CO-OWNER SUSPENDED AFTER INCIDENT WITH SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM FANS AS STAR BREAKS SILENCE ON CONTROVERSY"Roberta [reporter] had every right to ask these questions.The Sophie Cunningham rally happened at this game.
If a rally is taking place outside the arena, you ...