WATCH: Valkyries, Dream Not on the Floor for National Anthem Ahead of WNBA Finals Game

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries was supposed to be about an historic matchup between star forward Angel Reese and one of the league’s newest franchises. Instead, it became about neither team being on the floor to honor America during the national anthem.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is making clear she will not be swayed by outside noise as she heads into unrestricted free agency. Speaking on a recent episode of her podcast, No Hesitation with Sophie Cunningham and Drew Hanlen, the 30-year-old veteran addressed criticism of her role and effectiveness. “That’s why I literally don’t even care what anyone says about me anymore,” Cunningham said. “I’ve said this so many times, if you’re going to live by the praise, you’re going to die by the hate. The majority of these people have never picked up a ball in their entire lives, and they’re just, like, thirsty to have attention or be relevant in some type of way. No matter what anyone says to me, I’m gonna continue to do me. I know what I bring to the table. It’s not always in the stat sheet. So for you to not say I’m effective or any of that, whatever. Suck it.”