Sophie Cunningham Repeats Anti-Trans Sports Stance as Jon Root Praises Her Over 9 Athletes
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 23
Sophie Cunningham Repeats Anti-Trans Sports Stance as Jon Root Praises Her Over 9 Athletes
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 23
Summary
ESPN’s new profile quoted Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham again defending her opposition to trans women in women’s sports, saying she wants to protect “young girls” in locker rooms and competition.
Cunningham said criticism wrongly framed her as anti-trans, insisting she is acting out of “love” and “truth” while arguing that “biological men” should not compete against women.
Jon Root amplified that stance by praising Cunningham on social media and attacking supporters of trans inclusion, naming 9 prominent athletes including Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe and Caitlin Clark.
The comments extend a backlash that had already brought accusations of transphobia, demands for an apology and calls from some critics for the WNBA to suspend Cunningham.
The dispute also highlights unresolved league policy: the WNBA collective bargaining agreement says only women are eligible to play, but does not explicitly address trans women.