Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding WNBA players walking out during the national anthem, making it clear where she stands on the issue. Appearing on a recent episode of comedian Theo Von’s podcast, Cunningham discussed the controversy when asked how she feels about players leaving the court prior to the opening tip. While stopping short of criticizing her peers, the veteran guard emphasized her own sense of gratitude and national pride, pointing out that players earn an average salary of $518,000 a year while pursuing their professional athletic dreams in the United States.
Sophie Cunningham Speaks Out on WNBA Anthem Debate
When asked by Von whether she had thoughts on the player walkouts, Cunningham responded directly by acknowledging her own perspective. She stated that she takes a lot of pride in her background and is proud to be an American citizen, adding that she supports the military members who serve. Cunningham noted that her family has a history of military service, which has deeply influenced her perspective on personal freedoms and the sacrifices made by troops overseas. Throughout 8 seasons and various career milestones across the league, Cunningham has remained one of the players on her team to consistently stand and place her hand over her heart during the Star-Spangled Banner, a routine she maintains regardless of what others choose to do in similar situations.
“Personally, I’m grateful, and I support the people who serve,” said Cunningham.”We have family members who have served, and they’re over there doing things that are unimaginable for us to be out here living our dreams and having the freedoms that we live. So anytime I can shout out our veterans and people currently fighting for us to live in the best country, I’m going to show that support, and I’m going to give them love.”
“That’s where I stand. That doesn’t mean that’s where everybody stands and if it’s right, wrong, whatever. But I take a lot of pride in where I come from, and I’m proud to be an American citizen,” she added.
The topic has drawn broader attention across professional sports as leagues navigate player demonstrations and expressions of personal belief. WNBA rules stipulate that players should be on the court for the national anthem, though enforcement and adherence have varied among teams and individuals throughout the regular season and playoffs. While the league continues to address off-court storylines alongside ongoing postseason competition, player expression remains a prominent talking point for fans, analysts, and media members alike. Cunningham’s comments highlight the contrasting personal choices and viewpoints existing within locker rooms across the organization, mirroring discussions happening in other major sports leagues nationwide over recent years.
As the sports world looks ahead to the remainder of the schedule and upcoming offseason roster decisions, public discussions surrounding athlete activism and personal expression show no signs of slowing down. Whether individual players choose to participate in team routines or exercise personal preferences during pregame ceremonies, the ongoing dialogue reflects the broader intersection of professional sports, culture, and individual conviction in modern America. How the organization and league leadership choose to address these evolving dynamics in future seasons remains an open question for everyone involved.
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