There was some drama prior to Tuesday night's game between the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm.
It was reported that a few dozen fans were voicing their support for Fever guard Sophie Cunningham outside of Climate Pledge Arena. They were promoting Washington initiatives 638 and 011, which would stop transgender students from participating in girls' sports.
This pro-Cunningham rally in Seattle was in response to her remarks about barring transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans,” Cunningham told ESPN. “And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’ 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 sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Fever have denied any involvement in Tuesday's rally, but that didn't stop reporters from asking about it after their 105-95 win over the Storm.
"Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers," a Fever public relations representative said. "Our only goal as a team, whether at home or away, is to win basketball games and make Fever fans for life, and we are united in that mission."
Sophie Cunningham isn't backing down from her stance.
A week ago, Cunningham was asked about her take on transgender athletes and the backlash she received online.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense…” Cunningham replied. “I think it’s really important to protect children… I don’t dislike anyone. … I’m there to love, but I’m also there to love biological women.”
Cunningham wasn't made available to the media Tuesday night. She did conduct an in-game interview with ESPN though.
