Former Fever player responds to Sophie Cunningham by alleging Indiana harassment cover-up
The Indiana Fever is facing new scrutiny after former player Brianna Turner accused the organization of firing a male employee over allegations of sexual harassment during his time with the team, following Sophie Cunningham’s comments about transgender athletes.
Turner, a 2025 Fever player who currently plays for the Las Vegas Aces, made the allegations about X after Cunningham defended women’s sports for biological women during an ESPN interview.
Indiana Fever player #11 Brianna Turner drives to the basket against the Las Vegas Aces in Game 4 of Round 2 of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on September 28, 2025. (NBAE via Getty Images)
Cunningham said he wanted to “protect young girls in the locker room or young girls in sports who shouldn’t be facing biological males.”
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Turner reacted harshly to Cunningham’s claims, saying organizations like the Fever pose a greater threat to sports than transgender athletes. According to Turner, the Fever fired a male employee following allegations of sexual harassment but instructed players not to discuss the matter publicly.
Indiana Fever player #11 Brianna Turner watches Game Two of the First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev. (NBAE via Getty Images)
She wildly advocated for transgender inclusion, pointing to former WNBA player Layshia Clarendon, who was born female and later identified as transgender.
“There’s been one transgender player in the league so far. They’ve caused zero problems,” Turner said. wrote to x.
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Comparing this to the alleged behavior of fired staff, Turner added: “This is a problem. Sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism are all problems.”
Brianna Turner #21 of the Las Vegas Aces prepares to throw autographed t-shirts to fans after the Aces’ 99-84 victory over the Dallas Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. (Getty Images)
The Indiana Fever released a statement Thursday in response to Turner’s allegations.
“Protecting our players and staff and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority,” Fever said.
“Our policy is to take concerns seriously, investigate thoroughly and take prompt action where appropriate to protect people within our organization and ensure everyone is treated with professionalism and respect.”
The team concluded: “Promoting trust and safety in this process means that we do not comment on personnel matters involving former employees.”
It’s unclear whether the WNBA will investigate Turner’s allegations.
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As of Thursday, the league had not announced an investigation or made any public comment.
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