Stephen A. Smith blames ‘the right’ for WNBA firestorm, says league ‘left the door open’
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- ESPN host Stephen A. Smith criticized the WNBA for lacking clear rules and leadership, particularly regarding the transgender athlete issue, which has allowed political controversy to dominate discussions about the league.
- Smith acknowledged that conservatives are politicizing the controversy, citing former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declaring for the WNBA draft to challenge gender-eligibility rules, but emphasized the league's own failures created this vulnerability.
- He expressed support for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's stance on protecting women's sports and questioned whether political figures like Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier would respond similarly to liberal athletes voicing opposing views.
- Smith urged the WNBA to take decisive action to establish clear policies, warning that continued perceived double standards will fuel ongoing criticism and politicization of the league.
