Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has never been afraid to speak her mind — but this time, her reaction summed up what many in the sports world were thinking. After news broke that Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier would continue receiving his full $26.6 million salary while on administrative leave due to his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation, Cunningham took to social media in disbelief. Her reaction? A blunt post that read: “Please tell me this is fake.”
The scandal surrounding Rozier has rocked the NBA to its core. Federal investigators allege that Rozier conspired with associates to manipulate game outcomes for financial gain, including faking an injury during his time with the Charlotte Hornets. The reported gambling ring has been described by authorities as “historic in scale,” allegedly involving multiple figures connected to organized crime. Yet, under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, Rozier remains eligible to receive his full pay until an official ruling is made — a detail that left Cunningham and fans alike stunned.
For Cunningham, who has spent her WNBA career fighting for equal pay, recognition, and respect, the situation struck a deeper chord. She’s been a vocal advocate for accountability and fairness in professional sports — and seeing a player accused of such a serious crime continue to collect millions rubbed her, and many fans, the wrong way. “It’s wild to think about the double standard,” one fan wrote under her post, echoing the sentiment that female athletes in the WNBA often face harsher scrutiny for far less controversy.
The Indiana Fever veteran has built a reputation as one of the league’s most passionate and outspoken personalities — someone unafraid to challenge norms or spark important conversations. Her reaction not only reflected outrage but also reignited broader discussions about athlete accountability, league policies, and how money influences justice in sports.
As the NBA continues its investigation and the Fever prepare for another season of rebuilding around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Cunningham’s reaction serves as a reminder of why athletes’ voices matter. Whether on the court or online, she continues to stand out — not just for her hustle and heart, but for her willingness to call things as she sees them.
