RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesSarah Spain wants everyone to know that she champions women .
She often refers to the NBA as the "MNBA," an incredibly performative way to make sure listeners understand that the WNBA isn’t some secondary league just because it has a "W" in front of it.
But listen to Spain talk about actual women, particularly women who disagree with her politically, and that supposed respect disappears rather quickly.
WNBA MEDIA PREDICTABLY EMBARRASSES ITSELF AGAIN BY IGNORING SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM STORY OVER ALL-STAR WEEKEND
Spain used a recent episode of her "Good Game" podcast to launch one of the most disgusting personal attacks I’ve heard against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. She didn’t simply disagree with Cunningham’s position on males competing in women’s sports. Spain attacked Cunningham’s character, motives, upbringing, family, friends and ability to care about anyone other than herself.
The best part? Spain’s own evidence completely contradicted her conclusion.
Spain read directly from a recent ESPN profile in which Cunningham explained why she opposes allowing biological males to compete against girls and enter their locker rooms.
"I think that I am here to extend love, but I also think that with love is truth, being honest, and I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport, who shouldn’t have to go against biological men," Cunningham said.
Seems fairly clear, right?
Cunningham wasn’t talking about protecting her own WNBA roster spot. She wasn’t complaining about having to compete against a male herself. She was expressing concern for young girls who have far less power, influence and ability to speak publicly than she does.
Spain somehow reached the exact opposite conclusion.
"It just seems like she doesn’t have any interest in empathizing or caring about anyone but Sophie," Spain said.
Did she listen to the quote she had just read?
Spain didn’t deliver the segment in a measured or analytical tone. Her voice dripped with contempt as she portrayed Cunningham as selfish, uncaring and the product of a family that encouraged her to make everything about herself.
"Cunningham has been emboldened throughout her life by family and supporters to be the center of her own story," Spain said.
This wasn’t simply a disagreement over transgender athletes. Spain was attacking Cunningham’s character and attempting to explain how the people closest to her had supposedly helped shape it.
Then Spain described Cunningham’s comments about protecting girls as "filled with offensive language" and "entirely lacking nuance or care."
Spain called Cunningham’s statement "filled with offensive language."
But what exactly was offensive?
Cunningham said she wanted to "extend love," speak the "truth," be "honest" and "protect young girls."
Yet, Spain used that statement as proof Cunningham lacks empathy.
Come on.
Cunningham’s quote was explicitly about other people. Spain’s accusation wasn’t merely unsupported. It was disproven by the quote Spain had just read.
Then Spain’s attack turned much darker.
Spain accused Cunningham of failing to discuss harassment directed toward other WNBA players and said, "She complains of stalkers, for instance."
"Complains."
Spain made it sound as though Cunningham were whining about nasty replies on social media or someone criticizing her basketball ability. That's an incredible minimization of what Cunningham actually faced.
An Indianapolis man was charged with felony stalking and intimidation, along with misdemeanor harassment, after prosecutors alleged that he targeted Cunningham over an extended period. The charges are allegations, and the man has not been convicted in the case.
According to court filings reviewed by OutKick and Fox News Digital, the man allegedly hand-delivered a package for Cunningham to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Investigators said an account tied to him posted sexually explicit messages and references to his physical proximity to Cunningham, including a message stating, "You’re literally down the street from me!"
INDIANAPOLIS MAN CHARGED WITH ALLEGED STALKING OF INDIANA FEVER'S SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM, THREATENING SECURITY EXEC.
Cunningham told investigators that the continued posts caused her to stay home more often and suffer nightmares. She said she felt as though she constantly had to watch her back, didn’t feel safe and feared the man. Prosecutors said the conduct continued after Pacers Sports & Entertainment sent him a cease-and-desist letter and banned him from team properties and events.
The situation was so serious that the man was also accused of threatening John Ball, the Pacers security executive who intervened. One alleged message stated, "Pain is coming. I promise." Ball told investigators that the man referenced his wife and the county where he lived, causing him to alter his routine, begin carrying a firearm and request additional police patrols near his home.
That’s what Spain reduced to Cunningham "complaining."
And Spain didn’t mention the stalking because she felt sympathy for Cunningham. She used Cunningham’s terrifying experience as another piece of evidence against her. Apparently, Cunningham failed Spain’s test because she didn’t use her own documented stalking ordeal to center harassment directed at other WNBA players, particularly Black and queer players.
White players are expected to answer for every threat , insult or injustice involving Black players. But when Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham is targeted, the conversation quickly becomes what those women have supposedly failed to do for someone else.
Spain didn’t forget that Cunningham had been stalked. She mentioned it herself.
She simply decided Cunningham wasn’t the kind of woman whose fear deserved empathy.
Later in the same episode, Spain made women’s fear and safety the foundation of an entirely different argument.
Spain and ESPN reporter Holly Rowe discussed whether WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert should person...
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