“I Refuse to Return”: Sophie Cunningham Sparks Firestorm by Targeting Brittney Griner in Explosive WNBA Exit Statement
In a bombshell statement that has rocked the world of women’s basketball, WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has declared she will not be returning to the league — and named teammate and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner as the reason.
“I am Sophie Cunningham, and I refuse to return to the WNBA because Brittney Griner is not worthy of being my opponent,” Cunningham reportedly told a podcast host earlier this week. “This league used to stand for athletic excellence. Now it’s drowning in politics and performative inclusion.”
The remarks have ignited a national firestorm, pitting fans, players, and commentators against one another in a debate that reaches far beyond the basketball court. At the center of it all: identity, gender, fairness, and the future of inclusivity in professional sports.
A Stunning Public Departure
Cunningham, 27, a former Missouri Tigers standout and Phoenix Mercury player known for her intensity on the court, has long held a reputation as one of the league’s most outspoken and emotional competitors. However, few expected such a dramatic and personal rebuke aimed directly at a fellow player — especially one as celebrated as Griner.
Her use of the phrase “not worthy of being my opponent” — combined with thinly veiled references to gender identity and inclusion — has been interpreted by many as a direct attack on Griner’s identity and her role as an LGBTQ+ icon in the sport.
“This isn’t just about basketball,” said ESPN analyst Dana Reeves. “It’s about what kind of league the WNBA wants to be — and how it handles athletes who reject that vision.”
League and Player Reactions
The WNBA has yet to release an official statement, though sources close to the league office say an internal discussion is underway regarding whether Cunningham’s comments violate the league’s conduct and inclusion policies.
Brittney Griner, who has not responded directly, appeared unfazed during a post-practice media appearance, simply saying, “I’ve faced bigger battles than this.”
Many of Griner’s current and former teammates, however, didn’t hold back.
“Sophie can go. We’ll be just fine,” tweeted fellow Mercury star Diana Taurasi. “If you don’t believe in team, respect, or progress — there’s the door.”
WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) president Nneka Ogwumike called Cunningham’s comments “disrespectful, discriminatory, and out of step with what the league stands for.”
Fans Divided
Public reaction has been predictably polarizing. Supporters of Cunningham have rallied around the slogan “Keep Sports Pure,” accusing the WNBA of losing sight of competition in favor of “woke politics.” Some fans even began calling for an alternate league “free of identity politics.”
On the other hand, supporters of Griner and the WNBA’s inclusivity initiatives have praised the league for embracing a more progressive stance on gender, identity, and equality in sports.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about being human,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “If Sophie can’t handle sharing the court with someone different from her, maybe she doesn’t belong in a league that represents all women.”
What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?
Despite the backlash, Cunningham has doubled down on her stance. In a follow-up video posted to her social media, she claimed she’s being “canceled for telling the truth” and vowed to speak more openly in the weeks to come.
As for her professional future, it remains unclear whether any WNBA team — or overseas club — would be willing to sign her amid the controversy.
A Turning Point for the League
Whether Sophie Cunningham’s words mark a one-time scandal or a watershed moment remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the WNBA is at a crossroads. As the league grows in popularity, it must also decide how to navigate the shifting terrain of identity, inclusivity, and player freedom.
And in the wake of Cunningham’s fiery exit, that conversation just got a lot louder.
