Sophie Cunningham denies affair allegations against Suns CEO

In a recent lawsuit filed in the United States, former Phoenix Suns employee Gene Traylor accused the franchises’ CEO, Josh Bartelstein, of having an affair with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. This allegation became public as it was part of the claims made by Traylor against Suns Legacy Partners, LLC, for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In the allegations, Traylor claimed he informed Bartelstein about a rumor from Cornelius Craig, the team’s vice president of security, suggesting that Bartelstein had a sexual relationship with Cunningham, which the Suns and Cunningham both strongly denied. Sophie Cunningham, currently a guard for the Indiana Fever after being traded from the Phoenix Mercury, issued a statement refuting the allegations. In her statement, she expressed her sadness over the false accusations and emphasized that she does not know Traylor, reinforcing her focus on her basketball career and commitment to integrity. The Suns also responded vehemently, labeling the claims as 'delusional and categorically false' and implying that they were fabricated by Traylor's attorney, Sheree Wright, who has previously filed multiple lawsuits against the organization. The Phoenix Suns further asserted that their priority is guest safety and that they continually meet and exceed safety expectations. Their public statement specifically described the allegations as salacious fabrications aimed at coercing a settlement. Wright, in response, criticized the Suns’ statements as defamatory and retaliatory in nature against her legal advocacy on behalf of Traylor. This exchange has highlighted tensions between the former employee and the organization, pointing towards wider issues related to workplace culture and employee rights. Cunningham concluded with a call for responsible journalism, noting her disappointment that media outlets did not seek her comment before publishing stories that sensationalized the rumors. She reiterated her dedication to her team and the sport, emphasizing her commitment to inspire others, especially women, through her career in basketball. The situation remains fluid as both parties navigate the fallout from the lawsuit and public discourse surrounding the allegations.