A viral claim alleges that Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham announced she would not celebrate Pride Month in June 2025, calling it “WOKE” and undeserving of celebration. The rumor suggests her statement sparked protests against the Fever, forcing head coach Stephanie White to fire her. However, no credible evidence from news outlets, official WNBA statements, or posts on X supports this narrative. This 600-word article examines the claim, Cunningham’s background, the Fever’s stance on Pride, and the broader context of such controversies in the WNBA.
The rumor emerged amid the Fever’s 2025 season, which has been marked by injuries and high expectations following a roster overhaul. Cunningham, traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Fever in February 2025, is a key addition known for her sharpshooting and competitive edge. She averaged 8.4 points and 37.8% from three-point range in 2024, bringing veteran presence to a team led by Caitlin Clark. The claim that Cunningham rejected Pride Month, using the term “WOKE” pejoratively, aligns with narratives pushed by some conservative voices but contradicts her public persona. No verified statements from Cunningham or the Fever corroborate this, and her social media activity focuses on basketball and lighthearted content, like a TikTok video lip-syncing to Sydney Sweeney.
The Fever have a history of supporting Pride Month, notably hosting a Pride Game on June 3, 2025, promoted with a tweet featuring transgender and rainbow flag emojis. This post drew criticism from anti-LGBTQ voices, who called for the team to “read the room,” but the Fever’s commitment to inclusivity remained firm. The WNBA, often described as the “gayest league” in U.S. sports with over 40 out LGBTQ players, has long embraced Pride, and the Fever’s 2019 participation in Indianapolis’ Pride parade underscores this. A boycott by Cunningham would clash with the league’s culture and the Fever’s public stance, making the claim suspect.
Stephanie White, the Fever’s head coach, has been focused on managing a roster plagued by injuries, including Cunningham’s ankle sprain and Clark’s quad strain. White’s leadership emphasizes team cohesion and long-term health, as seen in her cautious approach to player recoveries. The idea that she would fire Cunningham—a key offseason acquisition—over an unverified statement lacks credibility. No reports indicate protests targeting the Fever over Cunningham’s actions, and White’s recent comments center on gameplay, not off-court controversies. After a May 28 loss to the Mystics, White discussed officiating challenges, not player dismissals.
The rumor’s origins may lie in misinterpretations of Cunningham’s outspoken personality or conflation with other controversies. In May 2025, she denied false allegations of an affair with a Phoenix Suns executive, calling them “extremely hurtful.” This incident shows how quickly unverified claims can spread, especially about high-profile players. The Pride boycott narrative may also reflect broader cultural debates, as seen in backlash to the Fever’s Pride Game tweet, which some fans criticized as pandering to “woke” culture. Yet, no evidence ties Cunningham to such sentiments, and her focus remains on basketball, not political statements.
If true, Cunningham’s alleged boycott would have sparked significant backlash in the WNBA’s inclusive environment, potentially leading to disciplinary action. However, the absence of protests, official statements, or X posts about her dismissal suggests this is a fabricated story. The Fever’s 2-4 start and injury challenges are real concerns, not hypothetical firings. Fans should approach such claims skeptically, relying on verified sources to navigate the WNBA’s complex intersection of sports, culture, and media.
