Joe Concha, a columnist for the Washington Examiner, commended Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for her advocacy regarding women's sports. During an appearance on Fox News's 'Fox & Friends First,' Concha noted Cunningham's rising popularity in the WNBA, attributing it to her outspoken views on transgender participation in women's sports.
Cunningham faced backlash after discussing the topic in an ESPN profile published on July 21, where she expressed her desire to protect young girls in sports. She stated, 'I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans... I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest.'
Supporters and opponents of Cunningham gathered at a recent Fever game against the Seattle Storm, with some attendees displaying signs in support of her stance. Reports indicated that Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted two teenage supporters, leading to her being fined and banned from the next five Storm home games.
Cunningham responded to the incident on social media, emphasizing her belief in inclusivity while supporting the rights of biological girls in sports. Concha remarked on the increasing visibility of the WNBA in discussions about sports, stating, 'The WNBA is something we never talked about a couple years ago, is now a topic on Fox & Friends First on an almost daily basis.' Additional rallies supporting Cunningham are scheduled to occur ahead of upcoming games in Portland and Minneapolis.