WNBA OUTRAGE: Sunny Hostin’s “Just a Basketball Player” Comment Sparks Backlash on The View

ABC’s daytime talk show The View found itself in hot water this week after co-host Sunny Hostin made a seemingly offhand remark about WNBA star Sophie Cunningham. What started as casual conversation about Cunningham’s rare decision to appear on a U.S. talk show quickly escalated into a social media firestorm, highlighting the ongoing struggle for respect and recognition in women’s professional sports.

The Comment That Set Off the Controversy

During a segment discussing Cunningham, the Phoenix Mercury guard known for her sharpshooting and dedication, Hostin quipped:

“She’s just a basketball player.”

She followed this with a shrug and a casual add-on:

“She’s just a girl running up and down the court really fast to throw the ball through the hoop, that’s all.”

The panel’s reactions—Joy Behar nodding in agreement, Whoopi Goldberg smirking, and Alyssa Farah Griffin applauding—were widely interpreted as dismissive. What may have been intended as light teasing quickly appeared to trivialize the skill, discipline, and business acumen required to excel in the WNBA.

Immediate WNBA Backlash

The comment ignited an immediate response from players, coaches, and fans. Social media erupted as supporters defended Cunningham and the league as a whole. Many pointed out that Cunningham is not just a basketball player but also a business-minded athlete and community leader.

One WNBA veteran tweeted:

“Just a girl running up and down the court? That ‘girl’ is a professional athlete, a role model, and works harder for less recognition than most people on that panel. The disrespect is unacceptable.”

The backlash underscores a larger issue: the ongoing fight for equality and respect for women’s sports. The remark reflected what many see as a pervasive media bias that undervalues female athletes’ achievements and impact.

The WNBA’s Struggle for Recognition

The WNBA has long fought for visibility, fair compensation, and acknowledgment of the league’s high level of competition. Comments like Hostin’s trivialize the immense dedication required of its players, including intense training regimens, strategic acumen, and year-round competition, both domestically and overseas.

Fans and commentators argued that Hostin’s description reduced a professional career to a casual pastime, ignoring the cultural, athletic, and financial stakes of the league. The outrage was not merely about Cunningham—it was about the broader disregard for women’s professional sports.

Calls for Apology and Accountability

In response, hashtags like #RespectTheW and #CunninghamQueen began trending, highlighting Cunningham’s achievements and advocating for proper acknowledgment of female athletes. Fans demanded that Hostin and The View issue a public apology, noting that dismissive jokes carry real consequences in shaping public perception of women’s sports.

Commentary on social media emphasized that this incident was more than just humorous banter. It represents a systemic issue in sports media, where female athletes often receive less recognition and respect than their male counterparts. Supporters called for education and accountability to ensure such dismissive remarks do not go unchecked.

The Larger Conversation

This controversy has ignited a broader dialogue about respect for female athletes and the media’s role in perpetuating biases. The WNBA, now enjoying record viewership and growing mainstream attention, continues to challenge outdated perceptions. Fans and players alike see Cunningham’s appearance on The View not just as a publicity moment but as an opportunity to elevate the league’s profile—and they expect media professionals to do the same.

Conclusion

Sunny Hostin’s remark may have been casual, but the reaction it sparked reflects a deep desire for equity in sports. Sophie Cunningham’s career, like those of her peers, deserves recognition for both athletic excellence and broader contributions beyond the court. The incident serves as a reminder: female athletes are not just “girls running up and down the court”—they are professionals, leaders, and role models whose achievements demand respect.