The WNBA is hitting record numbers in both television and attendance, culminating in things such as a transformational new collective bargaining agreement for players, chartered planes, and more roster spots, with plans to expand to 18 teams by 2020, up from 12 in 2024.
Unfortunately, the massive surge in popularity has also brought with it the eyes of those who don’t have any real interest in women’s sports, but use the league as a way to advance their own political agendas.
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Comments by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham advocating against transgender athletes participating in women’s sports only brought more of those eyes to the sport, as debate has raged online.
“I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.”
Now, a former athlete turned conservative virtue signaler is involving himself in the topic, as former NBA player Enes Kanter announced on Friday that he is “declaring for the WNBA Draft.”
“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a (WNBA) prospect,” he posted on X. “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA. My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion.
“Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027. I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices.
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“I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for. My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the #WNBA honoring its stated principles.”
“They don’t actually care about protecting women”
Actual WNBA fans on social media were incensed with Kanter’s obviously disingenuous post.
“The way irrelevant washed losers like Enes Kanter love to co-opt the debate around trans inclusion for attention is honestly hilarious,” one fan posted on X.
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“These are the dumbest people in the world how is it that they’re running it?” someone else asked.
“This just further proves that they don’t actually care about protecting women,” another fan added.
Ironically, the WNBPA released a statement on Friday condemning this exact sort of behavior, which only serves to co-opt the league to advance personal agendas.
“We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion,” the statement read, via ESPN. “Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”
The post ‘Irrelevant washed loser’: Enes Kanter Freedom sparks outrage by declaring for WNBA Draft appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.
