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Phoenix Suns and Mercury fired back against an accusation in a recent trial claiming that the franchise CEO Josh Bartelstein had an affair with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.
The accusation appeared in a lawsuit from the former employee Gene Traylor against Suns Legacy Partners, LLC. The trial was published last week, but a detail emerged during the week.
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Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Sun’s CEO Josh Bartelstein look at during the first half of the game between Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm at the Footprint Center. (Joe Camporeale/Imag images)
Traylor said in the trial that he met with Josh Bartelstein, who is married, and told him that Cornelius Craig, the team’s vice president of security and risk management, had gone around and told people that Bartelstein had an affair with Cunningham.
“When Bartelstein asked the plaintiff to reveal what Craig said, the applicant explained that Craig had told others, ‘Josh Bartelstein is F —– G Sophie Cunningham,'” The trial filed in the Arizona District Court read. “In addition, the plaintiff requested that Bartelstein talk to the security team about Craig’s behavior.”
Suns responded in a statement on Pakinomist Digital.
“The recent reports on Josh Bartelstein and Sophie Cunningham are completely false and morally reprehensible. Let’s be fully aware of the origin of these claims,” said Sun’s Senior Vice President of Communications Stacey Mitch.
A general overview of the Phoenix Suns logo on the field before a game against New Orleans Pelicans in the Footprint Center. (Brett Davis-Preferred Pictures)
“Lawyer Sheree Wright, a personal injury and immigration lawyer who is currently serving a two-year trial with Arizona State Bar for violating the rules of professional behavior, sees an opportunity due to the reports of previous ownership. Employment Commission and Arizona Civil Rights Division or voluntarily undertook.
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“She continues to insert Salacious lies and representations into her complaints – knowing that the media can report them as the fact that happened yesterday – she hopes to force Phoenix Suns to settle. Sheree Wright will not squeeze our organization and never see a single dollar.
“We will pursue all available legal ways and keep them responsible for participating in the spread of misleading and false tales.”
Indiana Fever Guard Sophie Cunningham poses for a photo on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 during Indiana Fever Media Day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/Indystar/USA Today Network via Imag images)
Wright is one of the lawyers representing Traylor in the case.
Traylor, the team’s former director of security, security and risk management, filed a lawsuit against Sun’s Legacy Partners, LLC, which accused the company of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. He also claimed that the team was retiring against him after reporting violations of weapons.
Suns called the allegations Taylor made against the franchise “Dilute and categorically false.”
“Guest security is our highest priority,” a Suns spokesman told ESPN last week. “We are continuing to meet and exceed the security expectations. We regularly perform security tests, which are standard throughout the industry. We have used these proactive measures to ensure that we operate at the highest level of security and readiness.”
Pakinomist Digital reached out to a Cunningham Rep for comment.
She was traded to the fever from Merkur during the high season. She signed an extension with Merkur before she was traded and called Phoenix her “home away from home.”
Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at player 15 HQ in Phoenix on September 26, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic/USA Today Network via Imag images)
Cunningham was sitting out of Saturday’s game against Chicago Sky with an ankle injury.
