Vice President JD Vance has defended Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham and told her to keep speaking her mind amid ongoing controversy over her comments regarding transgender athletes. Cunningham faced criticism after telling ESPN that young girls "shouldn't have to go against biological men" when playing sports.
The Indiana Fever player has encountered backlash from sports figures and fans, including Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who wore a shirt reading "Trans Kids Belong" during a game against the Fever. Speaking to Fox News, Vance urged Cunningham to keep going despite criticism from opponents.
"Sometimes when you're courageous in this country, some of the worst people in the world try to attack you," Vance told Fox News. "What I would tell Sophie and anybody else is: keep speaking your mind, you're actually inspiring a dozen people for every person that criticizes you."
Vance emphasized that outspoken individuals are essential for the country. "And we cannot take our country back, we cannot save the United States of America, unless you have people of courage who are speaking their mind," Vance said. "The thing about courage is it's contagious. When you see one person - even if they have the mob come after them - speak their mind in a courageous and honest way, it inspires a lot of people to do the same. So I would tell Sophie to keep going."
Protests and Courtside Discussions
Following Cunningham's viral comments, Indiana Fever games have drawn both pro- and anti-trans protests. Outside the Target Center in Minnesota, opposing demonstrator groups clashed over the issue.
During a game between Minnesota and Indiana, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve engaged in an animated courtside discussion with Cunningham while wearing her "Trans Kids Belong" shirt. Cunningham commented on the conversation on Wednesday, praising the face-to-face interaction.
"I respect her for coming up in person," Cunningham said. "I think a lot of people hide behind screens and love that type of thing. She had stories about her point of view and I had stories about my point of view and we left with love and respect and I think that's what it's all about."
Reeve noted that both women understood their public platforms. "I think it's great... both of us understand that we have platforms and we both talked about wanting to, more than anything, educate," Reeve said. "There are some things that we have in common, and maybe some things you differ on, just like any issues. I think it's how you handle things. It was nice to be in person, for sure."
Reeve, who also serves as the Team USA head coach, expressed concerns about the political focus surrounding the topic. "I come from a space of inclusion... the narrative that I think is problematic is to suggest that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women's sports," Reeve said. "This is what's bothersome. There is a faction of people in our country that are making this a massive issue."
Caitlin Clark Responds
Indiana Fever teammate Caitlin Clark was asked about Cunningham's comments during a post-game media session. Clark indicated that the matter is not a topic of conversation inside the team locker room.
"I think, for us, it's not really a discussion we really have in our locker room," Clark said. "I think it's for leagues and the governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions, but our focus is on basketball. That's what we talk about and how we can get wins, and, obviously, we didn't do that tonight."
When a second reporter followed up with another question on the same subject, Clark declined to expand on her previous answer. "I just answered for you," Clark said.