Sophie Cunningham Urges Mom to Remove Attack on Bria Hartley After Injury Setback

Sophie Cunningham Urges Mom to Remove Attack on Bria Hartley After Injury Setback

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently requested her mother delete a social media post that criticized Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley. This public remark came after Cunningham suffered a season-ending knee injury during a game last Sunday.

The Fever officially announced on Tuesday that Cunningham will be out for the rest of the season following a right knee injury. This injury occurred when Hartley inadvertently collided with Cunningham during the second quarter of the Fever’s 99-93 overtime victory against the Sun.

In the wake of the injury, Cunningham’s mother, Paula, took to social media to negatively comment on Hartley, labeling her a “disgruntled player” in a now-deleted post on X.

“Hartley is a disgruntled player having trouble everywhere she goes. She’s plain mean and plays out of control,” her mother claimed.

However, during a recent episode of her podcast titled “Show Me Something,” Cunningham clarified that she told her mother to retract her statements. She asserted that she and Hartley maintain a friendship and there was no malice intended in the play that caused her injury.

“There was no ill intent. I think it was a basketball play. I was just in the wrong spot at the wrong time; she fell,” Cunningham explained. “There’s no way she would go in there and intentionally try to hurt me. I have nothing but love for Bria. I even told my mom, because she tweeted something, I was like, ‘No, mom! I get it, but I promise you that Bria and I are super cool, and she would never try to hurt me.’”

Cunningham also shared her thoughts on the matter, stating, “There are some girls that I think might, but she wouldn’t do that. I have nothing but love, and I hope people stop giving Bria some heat because I don’t think she meant to do that at all.” The friendship between the two athletes has been highlighted in their interactions on and off the court.

During the podcast, Cunningham confirmed the severity of her injury, indicating that she had suffered a torn MCL and would require surgery in the coming days. “I did tear my MCL, and if you’re going to hurt your knee, that is the best possible case,” she stated, displaying her resilience despite the setback.

The Fever have endured a challenging season filled with injuries. They lost star guard Caitlin Clark for a significant portion of the regular season, while other guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald also faced setbacks with a torn ACL and a fractured foot, respectively.

Cunningham expressed her frustrations, remarking, “This year, just as a whole – I think the league as a whole, but really us – we’ve just gone through so much adversity. Injury-wise, it’s just been – like you can’t make this s— up.” Her candidness reflects the struggles that players have faced both physically and mentally throughout the season.

The back-and-forth between the players serves as a reminder of the human side of sports. The injuries and subsequent criticisms are part of an intense competitive landscape where emotions can run high. Yet, Cunningham’s message of friendship and understanding amidst adversity stands out as a beacon of positivity.

As the Fever navigate through this turbulent season, their spirit will undoubtedly resonate with fans and fellow athletes. Cunningham’s recovery journey will be closely watched as she aims to return stronger than ever.

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