Former Mercury forward Sophie Cunningham has denied allegations that she had an affair with Josh Bartelstein, the married CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, which was mentioned in a lawsuit filed in May by Gene Traylor, the director of security for the Suns.
The 28-year-old Cunningham, who was traded to the Indiana Fever in January, explained that she does not know Traylor and called the allegations “untrue and extremely hurtful” in a statement posted to her social media on Wednesday.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusation made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” Cunningham said. “Let me be clear his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.
“I am here to compete, play basketball at the highest level and win for my team and my fans, while inspiring other women that they can do or be anything they ever dream of becoming. I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.
“To the media who reported on this, I have always spoken the truth and been transparent with any press inquiry. In this instance it feels irresponsible that I was never asked for comment about the accusation before several clickbait stories went to print.
“I will not let untrue gossip take my focus away from what is most important to me which is basketball, my supportive team and my fans.
Cunningham played for the Mercury from 2019 until 2024. The franchise drafted her in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft.
Traylor alleges in his lawsuit that Cornelius Craig, the Suns’ vice president of security and risk management, claimed Bartelstein was engaged in an affair with Cunningham.
Bartelstein, 35, who has yet to address the allegations, has been married to his wife, Sydney, for two years as of November 2024, according to Phoenix Mag.
Traylor’s lawsuit, first reported by ESPN, alleges discrimination, harassment and retaliation by the team.
Traylor alleges in the lawsuit that the Suns hired Craig to get rid of him.
The lawsuit claims the team demoted Traylor from his role as director of safety, security and risk management after he gave a presentation to management highlighting multiple incidents around the Suns and Mercury in 2023.
Traylor also alleges the orgazniation discouraged him from taking protected leave after he was diagnosed with cancer.
The Suns have denied Traylor’s accusations.
“The recent reports concerning Josh Bartelstein and Sophie Cunningham are entirely false and morally reprehensible,” Suns senior vice president of communications Stacey Mitch said.
Traylor is seeking undisclosed damages.
“We have seen the civil complaint filed Tuesday and will let the legal process take its course,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN.
