Sophie Cunningham has refuted claims of an affair with Josh Bartelstein, CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. A lawsuit by Gene Traylor, the Suns’ security director, alleges racial discrimination within the franchise and claims Bartelstein had an affair with Cunningham, as stated by Cornelius Craig, the Suns’ vice president of security and risk management. Bartelstein has been married to Sydney since 2022.
Cunningham, who played for the Mercury from 2019 to 2024 before being traded to the Fever in January, addressed the allegations on social media, stating:
I am deeply saddened by the false accusation made by Gene Traylor, an individual I have never met. His claims are untrue and deeply hurtful.
My focus is to compete, play basketball at the highest level, and inspire others while upholding my integrity and values both on and off the court.
I am disappointed that media outlets published these claims without seeking my comment, which I would have provided transparently.
I remain committed to basketball, my team, and my fans, and will not let baseless rumors distract me.
The Suns have also denied the allegations in Traylor’s lawsuit.
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