Did Sophie Cunningham just take veiled shot at Alyssa Thomas?

Sophie Cunningham was back at practice on Friday for the Indiana Fever. The 29-year-old was forced to sit out practice earlier this week due to an illness.

Cunningham spoke to reporters to share an update on her health, saying that she feels better. As the interview went on, the 6-foot-1 guard addressed the negativity that has surfaced on social media. This is in light of the controversy involving teammate Caitlin Clark and Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas.

While Cunningham was not exactly asked to comment on the Clark-Thomas situation, the Fever veteran shared a strong opinion on how players should handle online criticism.

After receiving a one-game suspension for driving her fist into Clark’s throat during a game, Thomas denied any wrongdoing. She claimed that she didn’t even know about the play in question until after the game. The six-time All-Star also called out the fans for how they’ve attacked her online throughout this ordeal. Thomas revealed that she’s also received death threats.

For her part, Cunningham got brutally honest about the hate and negativity on social media. She said that she is not aware of what the WNBA is doing to address this problem. At the same time, the Fever star advocated for resilience from the players.

“At the end of the day, you’re in an entertainment business,” Cunningham said. “That’s when mental toughness comes in. If you’re gonna live by praise, you’re gonna die by the hate.

“And so I think that’s on the individual person to have mental toughness. Some people can deal with it. Some people can’t, and I think you can see the ones who can. And unfortunately, there are some who can’t, and it’s not beneficial to them.

“But you can’t control what other people say or what other people do. All you can do is control yourself, how you treat people, speak up, and support people who maybe don’t have a voice or don’t have the courage to do that. But it’s one of those things. You’re in the entertainment business, and you have to expect it.”

Fans believe Sophie Cunningham’s comments directed at Alyssa Thomas

To be clear, Cunningham made no mention of Thomas or the Clark incident. However, this did not stop the fans on social media from putting two and two together.

“Sophie Cunningham just roasted mentally weak players . Alyssa Thomas ?” a comment on X read.

“100% that was directed at AT,” agreed another.

“Ohh she not just calling out one person lmaoooo,” another said.

“Boom. Mic drop Alyssa smollett,” a fan posted.

Cunningham then provided some sound advice. She explained how she personally deals with the haters as one of the WNBA’s most popular players.

“I don’t know if you guys know, but I don’t care,” Cunningham stated. “I don’t care, and I think that’s with the good stuff.

“Like the meme, I think that’s funny, and it’s cool, but is that my whole identity and that’s what I’m thriving on? No, it’s not. I think it’s funny.

“But yeah, I just don’t care. I think people are funny, people are dumb, and let them do them. I’m just gonna stay in my lane.”

The post Did Sophie Cunningham just take veiled shot at Alyssa Thomas? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/sophie-cunningham-veiled-shot-alyssa-thomas-fever/