Sophie Cunningham made headlines with her comments about trans athletes participating in women’s sports. While some have criticized the Indiana Fever guard for her comments, which she made in a profile by ESPN’s Hallie Grossman, one analyst has defended Cunningham.
Dan Dakich expressed astonishment that Cunningham’s comments are being so heavily discussed. On Thursday’s episode of his “Don’t @ Me” podcast, Dakich backed Cunningham’s point of view.
“It’s astounding to me, because what Sophie Cunningham said right there is true. It’s just common sense…It’s astounding to me that this is an issue. I have a solution. Dudes That [transition] from being a dude to a girl play against men. the ones that are women, and they are transitioning to be a man, play against men. I don’t know why that’s hard.” [Timestamp – 7:59]
Dakich went on to call Cunningham the “face” of the WNBA, saying she “understands who she is and what she is, and she doesn’t waver from it.”
In the piece published by ESPN, Cunningham denied spreading hate towards trans individuals, saying that she is “here to extend love.”
“She Said Every Word Right on the Money”: Stephen A. Smith Praises Sophie Cunningham for Her Views
Another media personality who has lauded Sophie Cunningham is Stephen A. Smith. On “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” the outspoken analyst praised Cunningham for expressing what’s on her mind.
Smith also made it clear that he didn’t equate Cunningham’s comments with vitriol towards trans athletes.
“This notion that you’re hating on the trans community, because you are not a proponent of them participating in female sports, is utterly ridiculous. Sophie Cunningham said every word right on the money. There’s no hate involved. There’s only love we’re talking about.”
Smith also echoed Cunningham’s quote about protecting young women in the sports that they participate in.
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