Sophie Cunningham has been the internet’s favorite reaction image for about two weeks now. The Indiana Fever guard’s emphatic pointing gesture during a June 22 win over Phoenix has been turned into a meme, and it’s been everywhere — including the White House’s social media accounts.
But here’s the thing. Cunningham didn’t even see most of it happen. She was sick. Like, really sick.
Speaking to reporters Friday after missing some practices, Cunningham addressed the meme for the first time. She looked tired. She admitted she’d been rotting in bed. But she still found time to laugh at the whole thing.
“So goofy,” Cunningham told reporters. “It’s getting worldwide views now. It’s just been kind of fun to see, but honestly, I’ve been like dying in my bed, so I haven’t really seen. My mom’s keeping me up to date on everything. But it’s funny, it’s cool. I didn’t even mean for it to blow up like that. But the internet does what the internet does.”
The White House joined in and Cunningham doesn’t care
When reporters asked whether she had any issue with a post from the White House using the meme alongside President Donald Trump, Cunningham shrugged it off. She seemed genuinely unbothered, which is refreshing in an era where athletes catch feelings about every viral moment.
“I think everyone around the world is posting it,” she said. “Every company has done it. They’re just the ones that also get on board. I don’t really think twice about it. They’re just another group who is posting about it.”
Fair enough. The meme has been used by brands, fans, and now the most famous building in America. Cunningham is taking it in stride, which is probably the smartest play you can make when the internet decides to make you a character.
Her real focus is getting healthy
Cunningham made it clear she’d rather be playing. She said her energy levels are still low and a lingering headache won’t go away, but she’s feeling better than she did a few days ago.
“Well, it’s not like I was on vacation,” she said. “I was rotting in my bed. I feel better, just kind of waiting for my energy and this headache to kind of go away a little bit. But I’m here, and so that’s great.”
She’s expected to be available Sunday when the Fever host the Las Vegas Aces. Indiana has been playing solid ball, and Cunningham’s floor spacing and defensive energy are a big part of that. If she’s healthy enough to play, she’ll be out there. And yeah, someone will probably meme that too.
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