Sports

Sophie Cunningham Denounces Storm Owner, Breaks Silence On Seattle Rally Amid Criticism

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Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham opens up on Seattle rally, owner.


Sophie Cunningham has broken her silence on a Seattle rally revolving around transgender athletes. In doing so, she denounced Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton for hate spewed towards those with differing opinions.

Cunningham’s public response comes amid criticism related to a “ducked” postgame interview. Her reply may or may not be enough for her haters.

The post could satisfy the media’s calls for action. Her pushback on Keaton will certainly please her supporters. Unfortunately, the entire saga continues to fuel a controversy that overshadows on-field play.

Sophie Cunningham divided WNBA fans.

In an ESPN profile earlier this month, the Fever star provided thoughts on transgender athletes in sports. She does not believe biological men should play in women’s leagues.

“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’ I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Those comments gained support, particularly from Stephen A. Smith. They resulted in an online popularity spike, as well as massive shoe sales in the hours that followed. They also led to criticism. Even her best friend and podcast co-host expressed concerns.

Cunningham is very outspoken. She’s had no issue stating her opinions on “protecting women’s sports.” It’s led to discourse. WNBA fans have picked their sides of the fence. The divide was clearly visible in Seattle this week.

The Storm hosted the Fever in late July. A small gathering of people from either side of the argument showed up to support their cause outside the arena. It was largely uneventful.

During the game, Seattle owner Celeste Keaton berated a pair of teenage girls wearing XX/XY branded outfits. She reportedly made one of them cry for having a different stance on the transgender athlete topic.

The team has since punished her for her behavior in the form of a fine and suspension.

After the game, reporters hoped to ask Cunningham about the pregame rally. They were unable to. The Fever pulled her from the list of interviewees swapped in Kelsey Mitchell. Caitlin Clark was not made available, either.

Cunningham blasted for “ducking” interview.

Jemele Hill, among others, ripped the outspoken Sophie Cunningham for her silence. Hill said she was running from the spotlight. She wanted to know the Indiana star’s specific thoughts on the rally, which were not organized by the team or player.

“She’s building an entire brand on being outspoken and yet when the smoke came, she ducked it,” Hill wrote. “You want to run. Doesn’t work that way.”

Cunningham has provided her opinion on the issue, though not directly in relation to the pregame gathering in Seattle. She doubled down on her stance after initial criticism.

“I think it’s kind of common sense… I think it’s really important to protect children. I don’t dislike anyone. … I’m there to love, but I’m also there to love biological women.”

She issued a similar statement on the drama in Seattle about an hour after Hill’s demand, which also denounced the Storm owner’s actions.

Sophie Cunningham continues to tell fans and media that she is tolerant and welcoming of people in all walks of life, regardless of her stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports. It’s now on them to believe her.