“Some People Can Deal With It, Some People Can’t”: Sophie Cunningham Weighs In on Online Abuse of WNBA Players After Alyssa Thomas’ Revelation

Alyssa Thomas went unfiltered after being suspended and fined. “We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threaten our lives,” she said. Stephanie White came out with a long statement condemning the harassment and threats for Thomas. Then, Caitlin Clark did the same. While the entire league offered Thomas support, Sophie Cunningham has given a reality check to all her WNBA colleagues.

“You can put out statements as much as you want, but at the end of the day, you’re in the entertainment business. That’s where mental toughness comes in,” Cunningham said in her practice media availability. “If you’re going to live by praise, you’re going to die by the hate.

“I think it’s on the individual person to have mental toughness. Some people can deal with it, some people can’t. You can see the ones who can, and unfortunately, there are some who can’t.”

The league has implemented a “No Space for Hate” campaign. It is implemented in four main parts: monitoring social media for threats, strengthening conduct standards, increasing security, and expanding mental health support. It started back in 2025, and yet, the controversy with Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark spilled over its limits. The incident and its response further exposed the limits of league-led initiatives when harassment extends beyond arenas.

At one point, even the league can’t control what is said on social media. In three separate real-life examples, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers (during her time at UConn), and Sophie Cunningham’s stalkers have been arrested in the past. But social media gives fans anonymity and freedom of speech, which is difficult to police. And this is seen throughout every league across the sports world. 

“You can’t control what other people say or do,” Cunningham further said. “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. It’s one of those things. You’re in the entertainment business, and you have to expect it.”

Russell Westbrook was dumped on with popcorn by a fan while exiting in a 2021 playoff game after injuring himself. Trae Young was spat on in New York while LeBron James had to speak up and have fans removed for their unacceptable behavior. The most recent example would be that of Victor Wembanyama getting booed and eggs thrown at him. Now, with the WNBA getting more popular day-by-day, it is inevitable to experience some of the side effects of it as well. Cunningham is not the only one with such an opinion.

Angel Reese built a ‘thick skin’ after her popularity exploded.

“It’s just what comes with it,” Paige Bueckers said once. “Every player has to deal with it in some shape or form. In the NBA, it’s way worse. But you just deal with it.”

That does not make any of the fan behavior correct, but it is hardly unprecedented, considering similar issues have long existed in leagues like the NBA. And the Fever themselves are no strangers to such hate, considering they are the most popular team in the league. The league would and should continue its best efforts against such conduct, but Sophie Cunningham’s stark acceptance suggests that it would be very difficult to eliminate it entirely. 

The post “Some People Can Deal With It, Some People Can’t”: Sophie Cunningham Weighs In on Online Abuse of WNBA Players After Alyssa Thomas’ Revelation appeared first on EssentiallySports.