Sophie Cunningham says the conversation that followed her comments about transgender athletes in women’s sport was a “distraction” and she wants to get back to focusing on basketball.
“WNBA media, all we do is cover everything but basketball,” Cunningham told reporters at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before Wednesday’s practice. “It’s like, ‘What are we doing?’ You can talk about other things; those are great stories; it shows the fans who the people are off the field, but I also think (we have to) keep the main thing the main thing.”
In an ESPN article published in July, Cunningham said she wanted to “protect young girls in the locker room” and that “they shouldn’t be going against biological men.” She doubled down on those comments a day later, saying it was “common sense” to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Individuals rallied at Fever games in Seattle, Portland and Minnesota advocating for Cunningham’s stance on the issue, and another rally is reportedly scheduled for Saturday outside the United Center in Chicago ahead of Indiana’s game against the Sky. Others, like Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, have spoken out in support transgender people, and Cunningham was booed by fans during Indiana’s game in Minnesota.
“There’s a lot to say, and I’ll just let people speak for themselves, but I want to get back to basketball,” Cunningham said. “It’s always been about basketball. That interview happened in February when they asked me the question, so I just want to make sure the focus stays where it needs to be because people are playing at such a high level.”
“Our team is good. My teammates are good. Our locker room is great,” Cunningham said. “And so, we’re right here now, getting ready for Las Vegas, and that’s where we’re headed.”
The Fever have won five of their last six games and face the Las Vegas Aces at home on Thursday.
Reeve, co spoke to the press Saturday suggested that the narrative on the issue is wrong and stressed the importance of supporting trans youth and athletes.
“We have to protect trans children, every child,” she said. “To me, it’s a human rights issue. Every child has a right to sport, whether they’re gender diverse or transgender. Every child has a right to access. … I chose to listen to transgender families, and what I know is that exclusion is not the answer. We have to find common ground and be inclusive.”
Before the Fever’s 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, Reeve wore a T-shirt that read “Trans Kids Belong” as Reeve and Cunningham met at halfcourt to discuss comments the coach made Saturday. The crowd booed Cunningham when she entered the game and whenever she touched the ball.
On Wednesday, Cunningham told reporters she was glad the two were able to express their opinions respectfully.
“I respect her for coming in person,” Cunningham said. “A lot of people hide behind screens and like that kind of thing. She had stories about her point of view, and I had stories about my point of view, and we left with love and respect, and that’s what it’s all about.”