Sophie Cunningham Wears "Kick Rocks" Sweatshirt Amid Transgender Debate Backlash
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham made a sartorial statement with a defiant pre-game outfit following widespread criticism over her comments on transgender athletes.
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham appeared to send a pointed message to her critics on Tuesday evening with her choice of pre-game attire. Cunningham arrived at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for her team's 96-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the words "Kick rocks."
Cunningham has become a polarizing figure in American sports discourse following an interview with ESPN where she stated that "young girls" should not have to compete against "biological men." Her remarks ignited debate about transgender inclusion in women's sports, leading to protests at Indiana Fever games for several weeks.
Cunningham seemingly doubled down on her stance by sharing a photo of her sweatshirt on Instagram with the caption, "I mean... if the shoe fits."
This is not the first time the Lynx-Fever matchup has been a focal point for discussions surrounding Cunningham's comments. In August, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who also coaches for USA Basketball's women's national team, wore a t-shirt that read: "Trans kids belong" during a game against Cunningham's team.
Reeve, speaking to reporters before the game, emphasized her commitment to inclusion and criticized the national conversation. "I come from a space of inclusion," Reeve said. "The narrative that I think is problematic is to suggest that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women's sports."
While protests related to Cunningham's remarks have subsided in recent weeks as the WNBA season nears its postseason, her comments continue to generate discussion. Recently, Cunningham also shared her perspective on the controversy surrounding actress Sydney Sweeney's sports gambling commercial, stating on her podcast "No Hesitation" that she was confused by the outrage.
"Why are girls mad?" Cunningham questioned. "That is literally what she does. Why is anyone mad? It is a gambling ad: men, sports, naked women. Of course that's going to draw attention. Do I agree with it? Morally, I think it's kind of weird, but each to their own. Go do your thing, sis."
Earlier, Cunningham had gone viral after meeting Sweeney at a NASCAR event, posting a photo with the caption: "One of us forgot our t*ts at home."