Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and host of “The Riley Gaines Show,” praised WNBA star Sophie Cunningham for speaking out against biological men competing in women’s sports. Gaines highlighted Cunningham’s bravery in taking a stand within what she called “the most woke league of all time.” Gaines noted that despite the apparent simplicity of stating that men should not compete in women’s sports, it takes significant courage for someone in Cunningham’s position to make such a statement.
Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, expressed her views to ESPN, clarifying that her stance is not rooted in hate towards transgender individuals. Instead, she focused on protecting young girls in locker rooms and sports. “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham explained. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sports who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” she said.
Cunningham’s public comments have earned her support from various Republican lawmakers and advocates for women’s sports, including Senators Ted Cruz and Eric Schmitt.
Gaines further remarked that Cunningham’s actions are not driven by a desire for fame, acknowledging the potential risks to Cunningham’s career. Gaines empathized with Cunningham, imagining the concern about losing opportunities but emphasized that Cunningham spoke out because she believed it was the right and moral choice.
Additionally, Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics, expressed interest in signing Cunningham to her brand. Sey described Cunningham as the “perfect person for us,” highlighting her athletic prowess and charismatic personality. Sey also shared that she first connected with Cunningham after the release of XX-XY Athletics’ “Dear Nike” ad, which criticized the sportswear giant’s position on biological males in women’s sports. The ad gained over 10 million views.