The WNBA is in the midst of its regular season, yet the discussion surrounding the league has moved well beyond the court and into the political realm.
The topic in focus is the argument surrounding transgender athletes playing in women’s sports. Specifically, those born biologically male who have transitioned to competing against women and girls.
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Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve made her feelings known on the topic and was quickly ridiculed by a notable political commentator.
Greg Gutfeld Weighs In on Cheryl Reeve’s Response to Sophie Cunningham‘s Divisive Stance on Trans Athletes
Over the weekend, Reeve wore a shirt against the Indiana Fever that read, “Trans kids belong.” A simple message, yet one that sparked intense debate among political pundits.
On Monday, Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld went off on Reeve over her shirt, sharing what can only be described as controversial comments.
“Why would you go after children?” Gutfeld began, immediately jumping away from actual WNBA analysis and into politics. “… That woman wearing that shirt has NO idea what she’s talking about. This isn’t Bigfoot. This isn’t wearing a Loch Ness Monster T-shirt where you know it’s fake and it doesn’t hurt anybody. That actually destroys lives. She’s an [expletive], and she’s a coward.”
The discourse began when Fever star Sophie Cunningham shared a short anecdote during an interview with ESPN last month. The eight-year veteran mentioned that she is against biological men taking part in women’s or girls’ sports.
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The simple comment created a political firestorm in the WNBA that has transcended the sport and become a national talking point. The fact that Gutfeld is discussing the league on Fox News proves that well enough.
“Childhood gender dysphoria is a transient developmental phenomenon,” Gutfeld added. “It’s not a fixed identity.”
Again, this is about a WNBA coach wearing a shirt with three words on it. The discussion is clearly political, and commentators are jumping in to bolster their sides with the latest happenings around the league.
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The discussion has shifted away from the games being played on the court and toward a political debate that cannot be solved in a day, a week, or even a month or two.
Reeve wore a simple shirt during a game, and it was a story on Fox News. Fever superstar Caitlin Clark refused to answer a question about transgender athletes, and Megyn Kelly chimed in.
This debate will likely continue to be a national political talking point, and it will be fascinating to watch how it plays out as the WNBA season continues.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
