Emily Austin has teased her mother over her praise for Sophie Cunningham. The sports media personality replied to Nataly Austin’s post on Friday.

Her mother had called Cunningham “a hero of our time” a day earlier, writing that she is “exactly the kind of role model young girls should aspire to be like.”

Cunningham is an unrestricted free agent after averaging 7.9 points and shooting 41.9% from three in 43 games for the Indiana Fever.

Emily Austin jokes about her mother’s praise of Sophie Cunningham

The reply was brief. “Why is my mom acting like Sophie killed Bin Laden?” she wrote. Her response quickly went viral.

Cunningham is a divisive figure. The Fever wing drew praise and backlash for ESPN comments arguing that young girls “shouldn’t have to go against biological men”.

Her form dipped late in the season, averaging 4.7 points over her final 15 regular-season games.

Indiana general manager Amber Cox said the off-court distractions would not influence roster decisions. She called Cunningham “a really solid leader in the locker room” and said the Fever “look forward to having those conversations” about a new deal.

Indiana’s season ended with a first-round playoff exit against the Las Vegas Aces. Coach Stephanie White has since outlined what she wants next, including more consistent production from the bench.

Cunningham is one of two Fever regulars out of contract, with Kelsey Mitchell also a free agent. How the front office resolves both will shape the roster around Caitlin Clark.