Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) is injured on a play against Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley (14) in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham confirmed on Tuesday that she'll miss the rest of the year with an MCL tear sustained in her team's win against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.

She also gave her full support to Sun guard Bria Hartley, who collided with her during the play where Cunningham sustained her knee injury.

During this week's episode of her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham denied any hard feelings toward Hartley over the collision and said the two are "really good friends."

She also pushed against the notion circulating on social media that Hartley attempted to harm Cunningham during the collision, much of which driven by a context-free photo of Hartley seemingly smiling as Cunningham winces in pain with the injury.

"I hope people stop giving Bria some heat because I don't think she meant to do that at all," Cunningham told co-host West Wilson during Tuesday's episode. She also addressed the viral photo, throwing serious doubt on that being anything even remotely malicious.

It's a tough setback for Cunningham and Indiana, but it's clear she had problems whatsoever with Hartley over what the former felt was just a "basketball play" that ended poorly.

As much as social media can speculate, it's always best to hear from the source before deciding too much.

When do the Fever play next?

The team plays the Minnesota Lynx on Friday night in Indianapolis.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Sophie Cunningham rejects viral conspiracies over Bria Hartley collision

Reporting by Cory Woodroof, For The Win / For The Win

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