...
By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Typically, Caitlin Clark is the most-talked about player on the Indiana Fever.
That hasn’t been the case over the last week, however.
Sophie Cunningham is one of the WNBA’s bigger personalities, and she’s caused quite a stir recently with comments she made about men being allowed to play women’s sports.
Read More on Sports
A large contingent of people were in support of what Cunningham said, while others took issue with her remarks, labeling her as a bigot for having no compassion for transgender individuals.
Things took another turn during the Fever’s road game against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday — a 105-95 Indiana win — when a group of fans showed up with a sign that read: “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls.”
That sign seemingly triggered Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton, who reportedly told the fans they were “effing insane,” which prompted swift action from the WNBA. Keaton was suspended for the Storm’s next five home games, and the team was fined an undisclosed amount.
The Storm also issued a public apology to the fans for Keaton’s behavior.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder told Front Office Sports. “We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect.”
Keaton’s remarks didn’t just ruffle the feathers of the WNBA, she also riled up several fans who let her have it on social media.
...
“Is this the type of tolerance & inclusion that the @WNBA champions? Owners cursing at minors that are supporting Title IX (a federal civil right)? Does the board of @seattlestorm @SeattleStormPR condone this behavior?” one fan asked.
“Women not standing up for woman is pretty lame. Women who attack 16 year olds for standing up for girls and women is pretty despicable!! Sophie speaks for the majority. You go girls. Be brave and keep speaking the truth!” another exclaimed.
“What the Storm did to these girls and women at Tuesday’s game, who simply want women’s sports to female, is insane,” a third fan remarked.
“The Seattle Storm's Celeste Keaton Should Be FORCED OUT of The WNBA‼️ … 💥💥💥Treating Teenage Young Women Like This is Unacceptable And Needs To Be Handled Swiftly By Adam Silver @NBACAdamSilver. Celeste Keaton has No Businesses Being Any Part of The WNBA‼️” another fan proclaimed.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines