**Sophie Cunningham Comments on DeWanna Bonner’s Departure from Indiana Fever**
Meta Description: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham discusses DeWanna Bonner’s controversial exit from the team, highlighting professionalism and fan reactions.
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**Sophie Cunningham Reflects on DeWanna Bonner’s Exit from Indiana Fever**
In a recent podcast episode, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham addressed the unexpected departure of former teammate DeWanna Bonner, who left the team just nine games into the season for “personal reasons.” The Fever attempted to trade Bonner before ultimately releasing her on June 29, allowing her to return to the Phoenix Mercury, where she began her career in 2009.
Cunningham, who played alongside Bonner during her time with the Mercury, expressed admiration for Bonner’s skills on the court but also critiqued her lack of professionalism during the transition. “I’m still rooting for her. I want her to end her career and be happy, but I also think it’s important to be professional about it. A simple message to your teammates, like ‘Sorry this didn’t work out, good luck,’ would have sufficed,” Cunningham stated.
Upon her return to Indianapolis, Bonner faced boos from the crowd, a reaction Cunningham believes was to be expected given the circumstances of her departure. “I was surprised she signed here in Indiana anyway, but she’s a Hall of Famer and a phenomenal player. If you’re going to leave, you have to anticipate some backlash,” she added.
Kahleah Copper, a star player for the Mercury, also weighed in on the situation, expressing her discontent with the fans’ treatment of Bonner. “I just don’t understand. She’s a legend and has done so much for the league. The disrespect is unwarranted,” Copper remarked. She emphasized that Bonner’s situation was unfortunate and that the negative reactions from fans were unnecessary.
In conclusion, the departure of DeWanna Bonner from the Indiana Fever has sparked discussions about professionalism and fan behavior in sports. As both Cunningham and Copper highlighted, the complexities of player transitions can evoke strong emotions, but respect for athletes’ contributions should always prevail.
**FAQ**
**Why did DeWanna Bonner leave the Indiana Fever?**
DeWanna Bonner left the Indiana Fever citing “personal reasons” after just nine games into the season, leading to her eventual release and return to the Phoenix Mercury.
