WNBA player Sophie Cunningham is facing allegations of an affair with Josh Bartelstein, the married CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, as outlined in a recent lawsuit filed by Gene Traylor, the director of security for the Suns. The lawsuit alleges that Bartelstein has been engaged in a relationship with Cunningham, who is a teammate of Caitlin Clark at the Indiana Fever.
Traylor’s lawsuit, filed in May, also accuses the organization of racial discrimination and neglecting safety concerns that he claims led to significant breaches, including an incident where Brittney Griner was harassed at an airport shortly after her release from a Russian penal colony. Additionally, Traylor asserts that he informed Bartelstein about damaging information being circulated against him by Cornelius Craig, the Vice President of Security and Risk Management.
Neither Cunningham nor Bartelstein has publicly commented on these allegations, and the Fever, Suns, and Mercury have been contacted for statements regarding the matter. The Suns organization has refuted the lawsuit, particularly targeting one of Traylor’s attorneys, Sheree Wright, stating that she has faced disciplinary actions in the past and labeling the accusations as “absurd” and “delusional.”
Despite these controversies, Cunningham has recently shifted her focus to her current team. She was absent from the Fever’s season opener due to an ankle injury but can still contribute positively to her team’s performance going forward, as they celebrated a resounding 93-58 victory over the Chicago Sky.
Looking ahead, the Fever’s next matchup will further emphasize team dynamics and strategy as Clark, known for her rivalry with Angel Reese, prepares to lead the team against Atlanta, where Griner now plays. This game is anticipated to stir excitement among fans, especially with both teams having strong narratives surrounding their star players.