Sophie Cunningham FIRES BACK at HATE Toward Her FAMILY! Fever Superstar Shows NO MERCY: “FAFO!”

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to physical play and fierce competition—but this week, she found herself fighting a different kind of battle: an online hate storm that crossed a line. After repeated personal attacks targeting her family, Cunningham finally had enough—and delivered a scathing response that quickly went viral.

The Online Hate Crosses a Line

The drama started when several social media users, upset by Cunningham’s outspoken style and on-court intensity, began dragging her family into criticism. Anonymous accounts began posting derogatory comments not only about Sophie’s performance, but also targeting her upbringing, family values, and even her parents.

Initially, Cunningham remained silent, but the final straw came earlier this week when a particularly vile post insinuated that her family was “part of the problem” in the Fever’s internal issues.

“Coming after me is one thing. Coming after my family? That’s a different game,” Cunningham wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) account. “You talk reckless — you deal with the consequences. FAFO.”

(“FAFO” is a popular internet acronym standing for “F* Around and Find Out”**—used to warn people not to cross a line.)

No Apologies, No Backing Down

Cunningham, who has become one of the emotional leaders of the Fever, made it clear that she won’t tolerate personal attacks beyond basketball. In a video statement posted hours later, she addressed the situation directly, her voice calm but firm.

“I play with passion. I speak with honesty. But my family has nothing to do with what happens on the court,” she said. “The second you come for them, it’s no longer about basketball. It’s about basic human decency.”

Her teammates quickly rallied behind her. Fellow guard Erica Wheeler reposted the video with the caption: “Real one. Protect Sophie at all costs.” WNBA players from around the league chimed in with messages of support, praising Cunningham for standing up for herself and drawing a hard line.

A Larger Problem in Women’s Sports

The incident has reignited conversations around online harassment toward women athletes, which is often far more personal and invasive than their male counterparts face.

“It’s wild how fans think they can say anything behind a screen,” wrote Phoenix Mercury’s Natasha Cloud. “Coming for someone’s family because of a basketball game? Nah. Sophie did what she had to do.”

Cunningham is no stranger to controversy. Her physical playing style and outspoken nature have made her a polarizing figure in the WNBA. But this latest moment may reshape how fans—and the league—talk about personal boundaries and mental health.

Still Focused on the Game

Despite the drama, Cunningham made it clear her focus remains on helping the Fever push for the playoffs.

“I’m still locked in,” she told reporters after practice. “This is a distraction, but it won’t derail me. If anything, it lit a fire.”

With Caitlin Clark nearing a return and the Fever still in playoff contention, the message from Sophie Cunningham is loud and clear: you can question her game—but don’t ever come for her family.