By Sunday 
Sophie Cunningham throws shade, and Detroit’s not having it
When Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham made offhand remarks about Detroit being less than ideal for WNBA expansion, she probably didn’t expect it to go viral—let alone draw fire from the NFL world. But thanks to Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper, that’s exactly what happened.
“Not an attractive destination?” Not so fast.
Cunningham stirred controversy by naming cities like Miami and Nashville as better homes for future WNBA teams while casting doubt on cities like Detroit and Cleveland. It wasn’t just an opinion—it felt like a diss. And when you come for Detroit, you better believe someone’s going to clap back.
Cue Dan Skipper.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 6-foot-10 Lions lineman had just six words in response to Cunningham’s slight:
“Well not for you now.”
Oof. Direct. Cold. And for many Detroit fans—spot on.
Detroit fans: Loyal, loud, and proud
The Motor City may not have palm trees or rooftop pools in December, but what it does have is one of the most passionate and battle-tested fan bases in all of sports. Detroit fans cheer through rebuilds, heartbreaks, and snowstorms. When the Lions were down, they showed up. When the Pistons slumped, they stuck around.
So when a WNBA player downplays the city’s potential—especially at a time when Detroit is investing in women’s basketball with a new expansion team on the way—it stings.
Athletes defending their turf
Dan Skipper’s response isn’t just a personal jab; it’s a statement. Athletes, now more than ever, aren’t shy about defending the places they call home—even if it’s a temporary one. Whether they’re born-and-raised locals or recent transplants, many athletes feel an undeniable pride in the cities they represent.
In Detroit’s case, that pride runs deep. From Eminem’s lyrics to Motor City’s gritty sports culture, being overlooked has always been part of the story—but so has the fight back.
A lesson in sports geography
The Cunningham-Skipper saga might blow over quickly, but it serves as a timely reminder: Every city has its loyalists. And in sports, perception matters—especially when expansion, investment, and fan buy-in are on the table.
If Cunningham ever suits up for a WNBA game in Detroit, she can expect the fans to remember. But knowing Detroiters, the welcome will be loud, proud, and probably a little sarcastic.