Jemele Hill criticizes Sophie Cunningham over post-game rally controversy
Former ESPN commentator Jemele Hill accused WNBA player Sophie Cunningham of avoiding questions about a support rally, while the Indiana Fever and the league responded to the incident.
Jemele Hill, a former ESPN commentator, took to social media after a "Support Sophie Cunningham" rally was held outside the Indiana Fever's game against the Seattle Storm. Hill said Cunningham "ducked the smoke" and accused the Fever of shielding her from reporters' questions.
"She’s building an entire brand on being outspoken and yet when the smoke came, she ducked it," Hill wrote on X.
"Roberta had every right to ask these questions. If a rally is taking place outside the arena, you don’t wait until later to ask about it," she added.
The Fever issued a statement saying neither the team nor Cunningham were aware of the demonstration and that their focus remains on winning games. The league later fined the Storm $25,000 and suspended co-owner Celeste Keaton for five games after she confronted two teenage girls holding a supportive sign for Cunningham.
Cunningham, who previously said she opposes transgender athletes assigned male at birth competing in women's sports, responded on X, emphasizing inclusivity and condemning Keaton's behavior.
The incident has sparked further rallies planned for upcoming Fever games in Oregon and Minnesota, while public reaction on social media remains divided.