Sophie Cunningham Discusses Security Risks, Anthem Stance, and Future Plans

WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham has spoken candidly about her professional journey, personal security, and future plans during an appearance on comedian Theo Von's podcast, "This Past Weekend." Heading into the offseason as an unrestricted free agent following a one-year stint with the Indiana Fever, the veteran basketball player addressed the growing spotlight surrounding her off-court commentary and shared personal experiences regarding the challenges of sudden fame.

Among the most striking disclosures was Cunningham's revelation of serious security concerns. The guard stated that her increased visibility has brought troubling situations, noting that federal law enforcement has stepped in. "I think I have like 20 people that the FBI are watching for me. Me alone," Cunningham stated, adding, "We do have a lot of stalkers. I know I do. That's a negative side of things that people don't think about." She mentioned that one stalker, named Kevin, has already been locked away, prompting her to jokingly question whether she should rename her miniature donkey, who shares the same name.

Cunningham also offered her perspective on the controversy surrounding WNBA teams leaving the court during the U.S. national anthem. The topic gained national attention during the WNBA Finals, where the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries routinely exited the floor prior to the anthem and returned immediately afterward. Cunningham observed that the demonstration was not new, emphasizing that it had occurred throughout the entire season before drawing widespread political criticism. While noting that she does not judge other players for their pregame choices, she highlighted her personal stance.

"We have family members who have served," Cunningham told Von, explaining that she chooses to stand and show appreciation for veterans and active-duty military personnel who make sacrifices for American freedoms. "Anytime that I can shout out our veterans and the people who are currently fighting for us to live in the best country, I’m going to show that support, I’m going to give them love," she stated, adding that while she takes pride in being an American citizen, she acknowledges that colleagues across the league may view the matter differently.

The conversation also turned to Cunningham's financial journey as a professional athlete. She revealed that her earnings as a rookie were notably modest, amounting to approximately $28,000 in take-home pay after taxes and deductions. Those figures led her to pursue additional work while active in the league, a situation she indicated was once common among peers, citing an example of a Seattle player who maintained employment at a grocery store. Cunningham emphasized that recent updates to the league's collective bargaining agreement have since improved player salaries across the board, reducing the need for second jobs.

Outside of professional athletics, Cunningham explicitly ruled out certain commercial ventures, such as joining the subscription platform OnlyFans. Rejecting the idea, she remarked, "Not my alley. I keep my pride to myself," and poked fun at the platform's attempts to market family-focused, non-adult offerings, comparing it to "McDonald's trying to serve enchiladas." She reiterated that creating an account on the platform would run counter to the personal and professional public image she seeks to preserve.

When contemplating her long-term future after retirement, Cunningham outlined a desire for a peaceful family life on a farm, drawing inspiration from her childhood in Rocheport, Missouri. While noting that retirement remains far off, she envisions raising children, tending to horses and cows, and possibly pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. As she enters free agency after averaging 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game with Indiana, Cunningham's next chapter on the basketball court remains open.