We get what we tolerate. And if you don’t respond immediately and appropriately to actions that you don’t want to allow, it will continue to happen. And that’s what Sophie Cunningham’s message is. She is never shy about giving her thoughts, and this time, the Phoenix Mercury guard had her say on an NFL incident that got plenty of attention.
A Buffalo Bills fan made headlines after shoving Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during a game. The league quickly responded with a lifetime ban, something Cunningham fully supported when asked on a recent podcast.
“I agree with that (the NFL’s ban), he should. You can’t be hitting people like that, right?” Sophie Cunningham said at the 26:50 mark. “Definitely can’t be doing that.”
The NFL has dealt with fan behavior issues before, but Cunningham’s blunt take stood out. Known for her fiery competitiveness in the WNBA, she pointed out the obvious — safety comes first, and athletes should never have to worry about fans getting physical on the field.
Cunningham has been building a reputation for giving honest views on sports beyond basketball. This isn’t just about her league or her games, it’s about setting a clear line that fans should respect. Players in any sport deserve to compete without threats from the stands or sidelines.
For Sophie Cunningham, the league’s ruling sent the right message: actions like that will never be tolerated.
Sophie Cunningham Weighs In On Angel Reese’s Comments About The Chicago Sky
Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back when asked about Angel Reese’s recent words on her own Chicago Sky teammates. The Mercury guard said she understood the emotion, but stressed that it crossed a line.
“It’s not great. I get it… There are just some things that you can’t say. I’m a very team-first person. I always put the team before my feelings and I think that should be a standard,” Sophie Cunningham explained. “You’ve got to protect your locker room. You just can’t be saying everything you’re feeling.”
Her comments highlight a clear contrast in leadership style. Cunningham has built her image as someone who competes with intensity but still values unity above all else. By pointing out the need to “protect the locker room,” she was sending a reminder about the importance of trust in a team environment.
Whether on her podcast spots or on the court, Sophie Cunningham continues to show she’s more than just a fiery scorer — she’s someone who cares about team culture.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
