In a sports world where stars are often expected to maintain a carefully curated and neutral image, sometimes a small, unscripted moment reveals a larger truth. For WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, that moment came in a simple social media comment: “Amen young sir.” Those words, directed at a Christian music artist who had lost tens of thousands of followers for expressing his views, not only confirmed her support but also blew open a conversation about the place of faith and politics in America’s arenas.
The story began with the shocking death of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an outdoor event in Orem, Utah. His death created a ripple effect of reactions across social media, with many on the political right mourning the loss of a critical voice. Among them was contemporary Christian musician Forrest Frank. Frank, an artist with a sizable following, posted a social media message in honor of Kirk. “Jesus Christ was Lord,” he wrote. Despite the message being singularly focused on faith, it immediately drew intense backlash from many who deemed the post politically insensitive. Frank later stated he had lost around 30,000 followers as a result.
As Frank faced a storm of criticism, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham came out in his support. A frequent user of social media, Cunningham is no stranger to expressing her views. She responded to Frank’s post with “Amen young sir,” a small but significant comment. Cunningham’s action was not just an act of support for an artist but a strong statement about her own beliefs. This wasn’t the first time Cunningham had been drawn into the debate around Kirk’s death. She also reacted to a condolence message from sports personality Pat McAfee, who commended Kirk for speaking his mind. Cunningham also commented on a post from Kirk’s wife, Erika, offering condolences and prayers.
In a sports world wrestling with social tensions, Cunningham’s actions raise thorny questions about the role of the athlete. There are those who believe that athletes should stick to their craft and leave political issues off the court. They worry that speaking out on controversial topics can be divisive and can hurt a team’s and a league’s brand. Cunningham has experienced this firsthand. As a self-described “in-betweener,” she has said that because she is a white woman from Missouri, many people often assume she is conservative. But, as she has shown, she is not afraid to speak her mind, regardless of how her views might be perceived by others.
Cunningham’s boldness can be seen within the broader context of what has been happening in the sports world since Charlie Kirk’s death. While some mourned, other athletes focused on the issue of gun control. The WNBA, which is known for its outspoken athletes on social issues, has been at the heart of this debate. Natasha Cloud, a passionate advocate for social justice, expressed frustration with America’s gun laws, writing on social media that the Second Amendment was written for guns that used powder, not for “military-grade weapons.” Those comments drew a fierce backlash from conservatives who accused her of exploiting a tragedy.
As the debates rage on, athletes like Cunningham, Cloud, and others are demonstrating a harsh truth: celebrities can no longer remain on the sidelines. They have a platform that reaches into issues far beyond the court, and fans are looking to them for answers, validation, and a perspective on social issues. Cunningham’s actions highlight an uncomfortable reality: expressing faith or political views can lead to backlash and division, but silence also comes at a cost.
Meanwhile, the backdrop to these controversies is steeped in tragedy. The death of Charlie Kirk was not a political non-event but a gruesome murder. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with the murder. Some reports suggest Robinson had become “more political in recent years” and held different views from Kirk. Investigators also found messages and a rifle with anti-fascist markings. In short, this is a horrific story of political violence that has created a case of immense significance.
For Sophie Cunningham, her action may not have just been an innocuous comment. It was a stand on her beliefs in an increasingly unforgiving world. She didn’t just express support for Forrest Frank; she was standing up for the right of athletes to have a voice. As the WNBA continues to grow and gain more attention, it will have to grapple with these debates. And stars like Cunningham will be on the front lines, not just as athletes, but as cultural figures who are forcing us to confront our own divisions.