The WNBA has been in hot water since Sophie Cunningham came out openly against the inclusion of transgender players. Since then, the league has attracted political and nonpolitical criticism for its vague policies regarding the definition of participants. Former NBA player Royce White also expressed his thoughts on the matter and took a dig at the WNBA, referring to LeBron James.
On Fox News on Sunday, White used King James to blast the league:
“It’s just astounding that the WNBA can’t define the W in the name. … LeBron James, you know, after, after he expires in the NBA. You know, maybe he wakes up one day and realizes he’s a woman as well! Who could argue that that wouldn’t make the women’s game better?”
White even proposed his own name to play in the league. Earlier, another former basketball player, Enes Kanter, also seemingly put together a similar pitch and asked the WNBA to consider him for a contract.
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Sophie Cunningham’s comment about protecting “little girls in the locker room” has created a ripple effect in the WNBA.
WNBA commissioner sends memo to teams for the recent conversation on transgender rights
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert finally seemed to address the recent conversations about the LGBTQ+ community. According to ESPN, she sent a memo to all teams in the league and said she would meet with them regarding the ongoing conversations.
Engelbert wrote in the memo:
“I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention. I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.”
Engelbert has also faced significant criticism for avoiding important questions about the league’s policies. That has even led to rumors of her exit from her leadership position.
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