Stephen A. Smith Blasts WNBA Coach for Trans Athlete Stance: 'Protect Women's Sports'

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith unleashed a fiery criticism of Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve this week, calling her support for transgender athletes in women's sports an irresponsible move that threatens the integrity of the WNBA and the safety of female athletes.

Smith's comments came after Reeve wore a shirt reading “Trans Kids Belong” during a game against the Indiana Fever, a team that includes star rookie Caitlin Clark and guard Sophie Cunningham, who has also spoken out on the issue.

Smith's Explosive Reaction to Reeve's Shirt

On his show, Smith did not hold back. He accused Reeve of ignoring the real consequences for female athletes.

“We gotta stop this,” Smith said. “We gotta stop acting like somebody that's speaking up on behalf of girls, like the Sophie Cunninghams, like the Riley Gaineses, are scourges of the earth. You are Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the Minnesota Lynx. That is an irresponsible thing to do.”

Smith pressed further, questioning the logic behind allowing biological males to compete in women's sports.

“Do you not think that the females are being screwed over if they have to compete against an individual born as a male?” he asked. “What are you talking about? Trying to tell me that a college player, a man, at a college program anywhere in the country, or an NBA player, should transition to being a woman and be allowed to compete in the WNBA? On a collegiate level to a women's college program, whether it's UConn, South Carolina, Iowa, Tennessee, or wherever else you want to come up with. What the hell are you talking about? It's not true. It's false.”

A Threat to the WNBA Brand and Female Athletes

Smith also argued that Reeve's actions hurt the WNBA's image at a critical time for the league, which is seeing record interest thanks to players like Caitlin Clark.

“She wore that shirt knowing that you're going up against the Indiana Fever with Caitlin Clark, who obviously is the number one draw in the WNBA, which means cameras are rolling,” Smith said. He added that Reeve did not consider “how it effects the collective brand of the WNBA and how they may be frowned upon by half of America” when the league “need[s] all the support that you can get in building your product.”

On X, Smith doubled down: “I'm not backing down from this one. You can support people's rights AND believe biological men shouldn't compete in women's sports. Those two things are not mutually exclusive.”

He added: “My issue isn't hate. It's protecting women, protecting girls, and asking why a WNBA coach chose to inject herself into a controversy that could hurt the very league she's supposed to represent.”

Sophie Cunningham's Stand and the Growing Debate

The controversy began last month when ESPN published an interview with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. She told the outlet, “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men.”

Cunningham's comments sparked a national debate, but she has repeatedly stood by them. She made the remarks in February, and the interview aired just before the Fever faced the Lynx, where Reeve wore her shirt.

Reeve has been outspoken about protecting transgender children before, but critics say her stance ignores the competitive and safety concerns of female athletes.

Why This Matters for Iowa

For Iowa sports fans, the debate hits close to home. The University of Iowa's women's basketball program, led by Caitlin Clark, has become a national powerhouse. Clark's rise has brought unprecedented attention to women's basketball, including the WNBA.

Iowa lawmakers have also taken a strong stand on this issue. In 2022, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law banning transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports at K-12 and collegiate levels. The law reflects the views of many Iowans who believe fairness and safety in women's sports must be protected.

Smith's comments align with that perspective. He made clear that supporting transgender rights does not mean sacrificing the integrity of women's athletics.

“Nobody said you can't transition from male to female,” Smith said. “The issue here is competing against the women.”

FAQ: What You Need to Know About the Trans Athlete Debate

What did Stephen A. Smith say about Cheryl Reeve?

Smith called Reeve's support for transgender athletes in women's sports irresponsible and accused her of hurting the WNBA and female athletes.

Why is Sophie Cunningham involved in this debate?

Cunningham told ESPN she wants to protect young girls from competing against biological males, sparking backlash but also support from those who agree with her.

How does this affect Iowa?

Iowa has a state law banning transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports, and the debate is especially relevant given the popularity of Caitlin Clark and Iowa women's basketball.

Looking Ahead

The debate over transgender athletes in women's sports is far from over. With high-profile voices like Stephen A. Smith speaking out, and with athletes like Sophie Cunningham and Riley Gaines leading the charge, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in American sports and politics.

For Iowans, the message is clear: protecting women's sports is not about hate. It is about fairness, safety, and the integrity of competition.

Photo: Mediaite