The Atlanta Dream clarified that they are not involved in the security incident during their game against the Indiana Fever.
Atlanta found themselves in an intense, close game against the Fever in front of their home fans at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
But during the overtime period, security approached three fans wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts and asked them to cover up or be removed from the game.
Security personnel reportedly stated that the message on the shirt was “offensive,” which is why they asked them to hide it.
The Dream issued a statement regarding the incident, clarifying that they had nothing to do with it.
“The Atlanta Dream believes in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone,” the team wrote on their official X account. “Unfortunately, at last night’s game, WNBA security took actions that fell short of that standard. At no point was Dream personnel involved in the decisions made by WNBA security.”
The fans wore the said shirt in the wake of Sophie Cunningham’s controversial comments about transgender athletes. The outspoken Fever star previously stated that leagues should protect women against transgender athletes across all sports.
This bold statement by Cunningham ignited a heated debate on the topic, as she firmly believes that biological males should be kept out of women’s sports. Plenty of fans have shown their support for Cunningham and her polarizing take.
Eventually, Indiana secured the close 95-91 overtime win over the Dream to complete an incredible 18-point comeback and record their fourth straight win.
Caitlin Clark led the Fever with 26 points, three rebounds and nine assists, while Makayla Timpson notched her career-high of 20 points with seven boards to cap off the victory.
Meanwhile, Alisha Gray carried the scoring load for Atlanta with 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
