“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” — Sophie Cunningham Fires Back After Shaq Suggests Lowering Hoops for Women: “We Don’t Need Your Pity, We Need Respect.”.A

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has had enough of being underestimated. After NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal suggested that women’s basketball should consider lowering the hoops to make it “more exciting,” Cunningham didn’t hold back.

Taking to social media, the Phoenix Mercury forward wrote:

“We don’t need your pity, Shaq. We don’t need lower rims. We need respect — and real investment in our game.”

Her fiery response quickly went viral, sparking a wave of support from fellow athletes and fans who applauded her courage to speak up. Many argued that such comments only reinforce outdated stereotypes that undermine women’s achievements in sports.

Cunningham continued, emphasizing that female athletes work just as hard, train just as intensely, and compete just as fiercely as their male counterparts:

“We’re not here to make the game easier. We’re here to make it better. Stop talking about what we can’t do and start appreciating what we already are doing.”

The exchange has reignited the ongoing debate about gender equality in sports — and Cunningham’s message is crystal clear: women don’t need adjustments to the rules. They need equal recognition, respect, and opportunity.

As one fan wrote in response, “Sophie said what every woman athlete has been thinking for years. Enough is enough.”