For the first time since a WNBA statement last week criticizing efforts to make an issue about the eligibility of transgender athletes in the league, commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke about the growing narrative. The WNBA commissioner denounced people she said are trying to "sow divisiveness" as the league grapples with a debate over transgender athletes. "People are trying to use the league to sow divisiveness," Engelbert said Thursday while sitting alongside Wings CEO and managing partner Greg Bibb in his team's win over the Indiana Fever.
Engelbert called out the "haters" of the league attempting to launch a "political football" at the league. More WNBA: Fever President Sends Clear Message on Coach Stephanie White Amid Fan Tension More WNBA: Shaquille O’Neal Delivers Blunt Message to Caitlin Clark: ‘Toughen Up’ "We're being the center of political football for people who have never watched the WNBA, never have written about the WNBA or reported on the WNBA," Engelbert said. She later added that, "There's always going to be haters out there, and we denounce it.
But that's what happens when you have made it as a legitimate sports media and entertainment product." Her comments come after the league was thrown into controversy following comments made by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who said she wanted to “protect young girls in the locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men” in regards to transgender athletes participating. More WNBA: WNBA Star Shares ‘Concerning’ Reaction to Sophie Cunningham Controversy
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