Sophie Cunningham had plenty to smile about this weekend — both on and off the court.
On Saturday, the Missouri native lit up social media after reacting to a viral stunt from a Tigers fan during their clash with rival Kansas Jayhawks at Faurot Field.
During a break in the game, one fan ran out for a field-goal contest with $25,000 on the line. Instead of taking the shot, he turned toward the Kansas sideline, ripped up his shirt to reveal “F U” painted across his stomach, and booted the ball straight in their direction before strutting back to the stands.
For Cunningham, a proud Missouri alum who starred for the Tigers from 2015–19, the gutsy troll was worth more than any cash prize.
“Who is this legend? need to get him a signed jersey ASAP,” she posted on X.
who is this legend? need to get him a signed jersey ASAP https://t.co/E8d6JVYWoG
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) September 7, 2025
Cunningham’s love for Missouri runs deep — she started all 129 games across four seasons, averaged 17.0 points, and took home SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2016.
“A sick joke”: Sophie Cunningham on Fever’s viral injured lineup post
The Indiana Fever, meanwhile, found humor in a season that’s been defined by injuries. On Saturday, the team posted a tongue-in-cheek video on X featuring Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Chloe Bibby, and Caitlin Clark — all sidelined for the year.
In the clip, Cunningham and Colson hobbled on crutches, McDonald rolled by on a scooter, while Clark suggested everyone throw a thumbs-up for the photo.
The video quickly went viral, with fans both laughing and groaning at the cruel reality of the Fever’s injury list. Cunningham’s response summed it up in just three words:
“A sick joke,” she wrote.
a sick joke. https://t.co/HXjF2YNLom
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) September 6, 2025
With so many key players unavailable, Indiana has had to watch what was once a promising campaign unravel. Cunningham joins Clark, Colson, McDonald, and Bibby in what could almost be a starting five — just one that’s unfortunately confined to the sidelines.
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.
