Press Article: Sophie Cunningham Denies Affair Allegations Amid Lawsuit
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly denied allegations claiming she had an affair with Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein. The controversy surfaced in a lawsuit filed by Suns employee Gene Traylor, who accuses the organization of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Traylor’s allegations against Cunningham and Bartelstein, while not central to the lawsuit, have elicited strong responses from both parties involved.
In a statement, Cunningham expressed her distress over the "false accusations" made by Traylor, asserting that she does not know him and has never met him. “Let me be clear, his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful,” she said. This incident follows Cunningham’s recent trade from the Mercury to the Fever, where she had spent her first six seasons as a professional player.
The Suns’ communications executive, Stacey Mitch, also condemned the rumors surrounding Bartelstein and Cunningham, calling the reports “entirely false and morally reprehensible.” The Suns organization reiterated its stance in light of the allegations, asserting their intent to pursue legal action against those responsible for disseminating misleading information.
This lawsuit highlights ongoing challenges within the Suns organization, as it marks the fourth lawsuit initiated by a current or former employee in the last seven months. Despite the unsubstantiated nature of the claims against Cunningham and Bartelstein, the situation has drawn attention, sparking conversations about workplace culture and accountability within professional sports.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties remain firm in their denials, emphasizing the seriousness of the impact that such allegations can have on personal and professional reputations.
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