The WNBA’s ongoing saga of on-court rivalries and off-court drama has just taken a dramatic new turn, drawing an unexpected figure into its orbit. Former NBA player Etan Thomas, who once shared a locker room with basketball icon Michael Jordan, has publicly and aggressively slammed Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham for her recent comments on the Angel Reese suspension. The exchange has transformed a simmering internal issue into a high-stakes public spectacle, raising profound questions about solidarity, loyalty, and the unwritten rules of sports.
Thomas, known for his outspoken nature and strong social stances, did not mince words. In a direct and pointed critique aimed at Cunningham, he said, “I like Sophie. Ummmmmmm I think maybe you should sit this one out @sophie_cham,” implying that she should have refrained from commenting on a situation she was not directly involved in. He further added, “Especially if it’s a teammate who got suspended and you don’t even know what’s going on.”
This public takedown was a direct response to Cunningham’s recent remarks, where she emphasized a “team-first” mentality and the importance of protecting the “locker room at all costs,” which was widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Reese. For Thomas, Cunningham’s commentary was not a principled stand but a “bad look” that fueled the very kind of drama she seemed to be denouncing. He argued that it was “wrong” for players to “denounce” or publicly criticize their peers, especially within a league that is still fighting for respect and recognition.
The conflict highlights two very different philosophies at play. On one side is Cunningham, who believes that a team’s integrity and a unified front against external pressures are paramount. Her position is rooted in the traditional sports ethos where internal issues are handled in-house, and public loyalty is expected. She sees her comments as a defense of professionalism and a call for players to prioritize the team above personal feelings.
On the other side is Thomas, who sees a more complex picture. For him, the WNBA is not just a league; it’s a community where players should be a united front against external forces. He believes that public criticism, even when veiled, undermines this unity. Thomas’s perspective is shaped by his belief that WNBA players are often disrespected by the media and a segment of the public, and therefore, they should not be providing fuel for that criticism by publicly feuding or criticizing each other. He emphasized that in a league where “the majority of players feel that they are being disrespected,” it is crucial for them to stand together.
The irony of the situation is not lost on observers. Cunningham’s original comments were a call to end the public drama, yet her words, and now Thomas’s response, have only intensified it. The debate has moved from the subtleties of locker-room dynamics to a very public and heated confrontation between a current WNBA player and a former NBA figure, bringing a wider audience into the fold.
Thomas’s involvement adds a new layer of authority and gravitas to the discussion. As a veteran of the game who played alongside one of the greatest athletes of all time, his words carry weight. His critique of Cunningham’s “veiled shot” suggests that such passive-aggressive public commentary is counterproductive and a betrayal of a teammate. The fact that he felt compelled to speak out from outside the league underscores how seriously this is being taken within the broader basketball community.
“There’s just some things that you can’t say,” Cunningham said, according to TMZ Sports. “I’m a very team-first person. I always put the team before my feelings, and I think that should be a standard. So, you gotta protect your locker room. You can’t be saying everything you’re feeling because that’s not a good look.” – She said on Show Me Something.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the conversation is no longer just about Angel Reese’s suspension or Sophie Cunningham’s opinion. It is a broader debate about the nature of sports solidarity in the digital age, where every comment, no matter how subtle, can be amplified and scrutinized. Thomas’s powerful message to Cunningham—“You should sit one out”—is not just advice; it’s a call for a different kind of sportsmanship, one that prioritizes a united front over personal feelings, and loyalty over public commentary. The WNBA, it seems, is still learning how to navigate its newfound popularity, and the players—and now former players—are making it clear that there is more at stake than just the game.
