Protesting has almost become part of the routine at Indiana Fever games involving Sophie Cunningham. However, the reactions from the opposition do not seem to be getting to her.
After another hostile reception in Toronto, a political activist praised Cunningham for the way she handled it.
Riley Gaines Has Praised Sophie Cunningham
Political activist Riley Gaines recently took to X to share a postgame interview from Tuesday’s game between the Fever and Toronto Tempo.
During the interview, Cunningham was asked about the boos she received from the crowd. Rather than making a big deal out of it, the Fever guard said that hearing boos from the opposing crowd is simply part of playing sports.
“I’m gonna give a shoutout to the crowd and the city. I think we had so much fun. It’s my first time being in Canada. It’s a lot of our first time being in Canada. But the crowd was absolutely amazing. I think that’s what sports is all about.”
“You’re going to get boos, and you’re going to get cheers. But just the fact that they are so passionate, they are so loud, and they are putting it on for the city. I think it’s amazing, so shoutout to you guys,” Cunningham said during the interview.
Gaines responded by praising Cunningham for her approach. She said Cunningham “rises above the haters” while also highlighting her kindness.
“And again, she rises above the haters with grace and kindness. We could all take a page from Sophie’s book,” Gaines wrote on X.
And again, she rises above the haters with grace and kindness. We could all take a page from Sophie’s book. https://t.co/r2JWDKSq2u
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 19, 2026
Cunningham has faced increased criticism since an ESPN interview in which she said she did not want transgender athletes competing in the WNBA. She argued that young girls should have privacy and safety in their locker rooms.
Her comments sparked a major debate online, and she has since been met with boos from opposing crowds during road games.
Gaines was not the only public figure to speak about the treatment of Cunningham. Political pundit and OutKick journalist Riley Gaines has also argued that Cunningham should not be viewed as an enemy by fans.
“Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark are not the villains in this story. They never have been,” Burack wrote on X.
On the court, Indiana started the game strongly and controlled the tempo from the opening minutes. The Fever created a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter and went into halftime still eight points ahead.
The Fever scored another 44 points after halftime. Toronto continued to push, but Indiana did enough on both ends to leave with a 101-95 victory. Cunningham made her contribution with 13 points, while Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever offensively with 29 points.
The Fever will next face the Toronto Tempo again on September 18. It remains to be seen whether she will receive the same reaction from the crowd and, more importantly, how she responds when she gets another chance to take the court.
