"Take that cross off your neck": Fans trash Sophie Cunningham over Sydney Sweeney comments as WNBA debate intensifies

Sophie Cunningham has weighed in on Sydney Sweeney’s controversial sports betting ad, but the reaction online has become a story of its own. While the Indiana Fever guard questioned the campaign’s authenticity and raised concerns about its message, some fans rushed to defend Sweeney. Others turned the discussion into a debate about women in sports, beauty standards and why the ad drew so much attention.Sophie Cunningham questions Sydney Sweeney’s controversial adCunningham shared her thoughts on Sweeney’s Novig campaign during the premiere of her revamped podcast, No Hesitation, which she co-hosts with Drew Hanlen. The ad features Sweeney appearing nude while trying different sports and repeating the phrase, “Just sports.”Cunningham questioned whether Sweeney genuinely follows sports betting and described the campaign as inauthentic. Still, she made it clear that her criticism of the ad did not mean she disliked the actress.“I have so many takes,” Cunningham said. “First of all, like, does she even gamble on sports? Like, it’s just so inauthentic. You know what I mean? Am I surprised of how she represented the brand? No. That’s what she’s made her whole career off — and, hey, don’t get me wrong. I like her. Everyone knows she is beautiful; she is hot. She clearly has my chest.”Cunningham also acknowledged Sweeney’s right to make her own choices, adding, “I really like her,” before explaining that the campaign was not to her taste.Hanlen suggested Sweeney was following a familiar marketing approach, pointing to her previous American Eagle campaign. Cunningham then questioned why women were particularly upset, given that the ad appeared to target men.“But why are girls mad?” Cunningham said. “That is literally what she does. Why is anyone mad? It is a gambling ad. Men, sports, pretty much naked women. Like, of course, that’s gonna draw attention. Again, do I agree with it? Morally, I think it’s kind of weird, but to each their own. Go do your thing, sis.”She later stressed that she did not believe the campaign was intended to undermine women in sports. Cunningham also praised athletes who challenge traditional beauty standards and encourage young girls to embrace their bodies.Sophie Cunningham’s comments spark divided fan reactionsCunningham’s take quickly became a talking point online, with fans split over whether Sweeney’s ad deserved criticism or was simply another marketing campaign.One commenter argued that the ad was simply doing what sports betting promotions are designed to do, writing, “It’s a sports betting ad look at it for what it is. No different that beer ads or hooters girls and chicken. Its has nothing to do with Women sports”Another added, "Sophie, please take that cross off your neck. I know exactly what you’re, nothing but a puppet for the elite. You stand for absolutely nothing and believe that God made you tall so you could play basketball. Full blown hypocrite."Another fan suggested jealousy was driving the backlash, claiming, “The ones that are mad are just jealous. That's all. It is just like all the women in the WNBA. It's pure jealousy. They don't know how to handle it and so they act like children”Others took a more provocative approach. One user wrote, “Threesome with Cunningham and Sweeney would be the ultimate dream,” while another commented, “Sidney is hotter than fish grease. She can’t help herself.”Some reactions focused on the campaign’s political and cultural implications. One commenter wrote, “Because she’s white. If she was black nobody would complain. Weird agenda type shit”Another fan suggested a joint campaign featuring both women, posting, “Now do an ad with Sophie AND Sydney in it together! The libal lefts heads will explode like in that movie Scanners 🤣🤣🤣🤣”Not every response focused on the controversy. One user questioned the promotion itself, writing, “Why is nobody talking about the $25 credit? It's sad. $200 in the average.”The comments show how Cunningham’s remarks have sparked a broader online argument about advertising, women in sports and public reactions to Sweeney’s campaign. While fans remain divided, the debate has pushed the Novig ad far beyond its original sports betting pitch.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.