Sophie Cunningham Shrugs Off 2 Rallies as Fever Wins 5th Straight
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 1
Sophie Cunningham Shrugs Off 2 Rallies as Fever Wins 5th Straight
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 1
Summary
Sophie Cunningham said rallies backing her stance against transgender participation in women’s sports have not distracted Indiana, adding they “don’t cross” her or her teammates’ minds.
About two dozen supporters gathered outside Portland’s arena for a second straight Fever game after a similar rally in Seattle, with another planned in Minneapolis on Sunday.
The controversy stems from Cunningham’s recent support for barring transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports; in Portland, she was booed as fans waved transgender flags.
Seattle’s earlier flare-up already drew league discipline: Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended five home games after an exchange with two Cunningham supporters.
Indiana beat Portland 112-98 for its fifth straight win, but coach Stephanie White said the debate is frustrating because the team wants the focus to stay on basketball.