PHOENIX – A recent lawsuit by former Phoenix Suns director of security Gene Traylor started a rumor around CEO Josh Bartelstein and former Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham. Traylor claimed that the two were having an affair despite his lawsuit having nothing to do with either person involved in the claim.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Suns released a statement to Front Office Sports on Tuesday denying the claim.
Suns statement to Front Office Sports:
“The recent reports concerning Josh Bartelstein and Sophie Cunningham are entirely false and morally reprehensible,” Suns spokesperson Stacey Mitch said. “Let’s be absolutely clear about the origin of these claims.”
Indiana Fever President of Basketball and Business Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, and Indiana Fever COO and General Manager, Amber Cox, introduced guard Sophie Cunningham to the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Cunningham was traded to the Indiana Fever this offseason and has been sidelined due to an ankle injury to start the season. However, she wrote a statement on Instagram to respond to the rumors surrounding her.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent false allegations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met,” Cunningham said. “Let me be clear, his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful.
“I am here to compete, play basketball at the highest level, and win for my team and my fans while inspiring other women that they can do or be anything they ever dream of becoming. I hold myself to the highest integrity and my values are what guide me on and off the court.”
Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Traylor brought up the rumor of the alleged affair because of what he heard from Suns vice president of security and risk management Cornelius Craig, who Traylor believes was hired to get rid of him according to the suit. The lawsuit claims that Craig has been telling people within the organization that “Josh Bartelstein is fucking Sophie Cunningham.” Traylor told Bartelstein about Craig’s statement in a meeting last October.
Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein watches the Mercury play the Storm during the Mercury home opener in the PHX Arena in Phoenix, on May 17, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Sheree D. Wright is one of the lawyers representing Traylor and three other plaintiffs who have filed against the Suns since this past November. Mitch continued her statement to address Wright’s “salacious lies,” and the team will seek legal action if needed.
“[Wright] continues to insert salacious lies and fabrications into her complaints—knowing that the media may report them as fact, as happened yesterday—she hopes to coerce the Phoenix Suns into settling,” Mitch said. “Sheree Wright will not extort our organization and never see a single dollar. We will pursue all available legal avenues and hold those accountable for participating in the spread of misleading and false narratives.”
Why Ryan Dunn’s late-season breakout still wasn’t enough for All-Rookie honors
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
