Former Phoenix Mercury player Sophie Cunningham broke her silence on Wednesday, addressing a recent lawsuit that includes an accusation that she had an affair with Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” she said in a statement. “Let me be clear his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.
“I am here to compete, play basketball at the highest level and win for my team and my fans, while inspiring other women that they can do or be anything they ever dream of becoming,” the statement continues. “I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.”
Cunningham also called out the media for not seeking out her side of the story before publishing.
“To the media who reported on this, I have always spoken the truth and been transparent with any press inquiry,” she said. “In this instance it feels irresponsible that I was never asked for a comment about the accusation before several clickbait stories went to print. I will not let untrue gossip take my focus away from what is most important to me which is basketball, my supportive team and my fans.”
The Suns also released a statement denying the allegations in the suit.
This post is being updated.
