Sophie Cunningham doubles down ahead of Sun game after ESPN profile stirs controversy: 'I said what I said'

Before Wednesday’s game against the Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her call to protect women’s sports from biological male competitors, brushing aside recent backlash over her comments.

“I think I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham told reporters when asked to expand on her views.

WATCH (via @RomeovilleKid / X):

“I’ll always believe in that. It’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category.”

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For Cunningham, defending women’s sports isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting female athletes.

“I’m not a very political person, but I do have beliefs. I have morals, and I’ll always stand on those,” she explained.

She pointed to Title IX as the foundation of women’s sports, arguing the law exists to protect opportunities for female athletes. Without those protections, she said, the category loses its purpose.

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Cunningham also rejected the idea that her position stems from bigotry, saying defending women’s sports doesn’t mean harboring hatred toward anyone else.

Sophie Cunningham jokes with Max Holloway at T-Mobile Arena.

“I extend love, and I don’t dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here,” she said, adding that she has never expressed hatred toward the trans community.

Her focus, she said, remains on protecting biological women and girls.

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OutKick founder Clay Travis shared the clip on X.

“Love all of this. Well done @sophaller,” Travis wrote in part.

He later tagged author J.K. Rowling, writing, “Hey @jk_rowling, want to make sure you see this. Sanity is winning in America.”

As for the backlash, Cunningham said she tunes it out.

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“I really don’t care,” she said regarding the political labels attached to her views. “If I’m gonna live by the love, I’ll die by the hate, and that’s just not who I am. I beat to my own drum.”