Sophie Cunningham Says Dialog With Cheryl Reeve Ended With ‘Love and Respect’

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham mentioned her latest dialog with Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was respectful and ended on a constructive be aware regardless of their totally different views on transgender athletes in ladies’s sports activities.

Sophie Cunningham Praises Cheryl Reeve

The two WNBA figures spoke earlier than Sunday’s recreation between the Fever and Lynx after Reeve approached Cunningham for a non-public dialog.

The second gained consideration when cameras captured the dialogue earlier than the matchup. According to the NY Post, Cunningham defined that she appreciated Reeve selecting to talk along with her straight moderately than discussing the problem from a distance.

“Yeah, she just came up and I respect her for coming up in person,” Cunningham mentioned. “I think a lot of people hide behind screens and love that type of thing.”

She added that each side shared their private experiences and left the dialog with understanding.

“She had stories about her point of view and I had stories about my point of view and we left with love and respect and I think that’s what it’s all about,” Cunningham mentioned.

Reeve additionally described the dialog as a constructive second. She mentioned each she and Cunningham perceive the affect they’ve and agreed that respectful discussions are essential, even when folks don’t share the identical opinion.

“I think it’s how you handle things. It was nice to be in person, for sure,” Reeve mentioned.

The dialog got here after Cunningham obtained consideration for feedback she made about transgender athletes earlier this 12 months.

Cunningham mentioned she doesn’t dislike transgender athletes however defined that she believes in defending younger women in sports activities and locker rooms.

Sophie Cunningham Urges Focus on Basketball

Following the dialogue, Cunningham mentioned she desires consideration to return to basketball and the Fever’s efficiency through the season.

“We talk about a bunch of distractions; our team is good, my teammates are good, our locker room is great,” Cunningham mentioned. “Now we’re just here, about to prepare for Las Vegas. And that’s where my mind is at.”

Cunningham additionally criticized the deal with off-court points surrounding the WNBA, saying she believes basketball ought to stay the principle subject of debate.

The pregame trade turned one of many largest tales from Sunday’s recreation, however Cunningham made clear that it was not a confrontation. She mentioned the dialog confirmed that individuals with totally different opinions can nonetheless talk respectfully.

On the courtroom, the Lynx defeated the Fever 108-100, ending Indiana’s five-game successful streak, Sporting News reported.

Despite the loss, the Fever continued their sturdy offensive run by scoring at the least 100 factors for the sixth straight recreation.

Cunningham has been an essential a part of Indiana’s success this season. The 28-year-old guard is averaging 9.3 factors, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists whereas offering sturdy taking pictures from exterior. She is connecting on 45.2% of her three-point makes an attempt, rating among the many league’s greatest shooters.