Fever’s Sophie Cunningham responds to public support after transgender athlete comments appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke about the support she has received after her recent comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports. She said the demonstrations around the team give the WNBA a chance to show its values.
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Before Indiana’s game against the Portland Fire on Friday, Cunningham spoke for the first time since supporters started holding rallies outside Fever road games. She said she did not help organize the demonstrations but praised those who spoke up.
“I think it’s people just practicing their rights of freedom of speech,” Cunningham said, via Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic. “Props to everyone who was able to be confident and be bold and courageous enough to speak their truths.”
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Cunningham also said she thinks this situation gives the league a chance to show its support for diversity and inclusion.
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“I think this is a great opportunity for the WNBA,” Cunningham said. “They preach diversity and being inclusive. So, what a great opportunity for them to actually be that.”
A few dozen supporters gathered outside Portland’s Moda Center before Friday’s game, and some counterprotesters were there too. Organizers plan to hold similar rallies at Indiana’s next road games in Minneapolis and Chicago, and at a future home game in Indianapolis.
Inside the arena, Cunningham was loudly booed when she entered the game. Some fans waved transgender flags, while others held signs supporting her.
Cunningham said the attention has not affected her focus.
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“At the end of the day, I come in and I do my job,” she said. “I’m here to play basketball, but I’m also here to be me, and I’m not gonna shadow that or hide or dim my light, just because maybe people don’t agree with that.”
The debate over Cunningham’s comments has become one of the biggest off-court stories in the WNBA, even as the Fever keep competing for the playoffs. The Fever ended up winning the game by a final score of 112-98.
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