The r/WNBA subreddit has banned the name of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in an effort to de-escalate controversy stemming from her public comments regarding transgender athletes in sports. Moderators confirmed the decision, stating that discussions involving Cunningham frequently attract individuals not genuinely interested in the WNBA.
Cunningham ignited a league-wide debate last month after expressing her view in an interview that she wanted to "protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men." These remarks have led to protests and counter-protests, with notable incidents including Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton being fined and suspended for confronting fans holding a sign thanking Cunningham, and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wearing a "Trans kids belong" T-shirt during a game.
According to communications shared by a user with moderators, the r/WNBA subreddit stated, "We filter content based on Sophi because it tend to bring out trolls and people that aren't fans of the W." When challenged by a user who argued that Cunningham is a WNBA player with actual fans, the moderators reiterated their stance, stating, "We have chosen to filter content. If you want to post freely about Sophie you can go to different sub..... This is our decision."
Despite the backlash and the actions taken by online communities, Cunningham has maintained her position. "There's going to be some negative comments but there's also a lot of positive comments too. It is what it is," she told reporters. Cunningham emphasized her commitment to her beliefs, stating, "I am not a very political person but I have beliefs, I have morals and I will always be true to who I am." She added that she feels strongly about protecting young girls and women in sports and acknowledged that her statements would elicit both positive and negative reactions. "I know whatever I say, I'm gonna get hate and I am gonna get love," she concluded. "That's just what this world is. I am confident in who I am, I am happy being me and I am going to continue to be that."