Stephen A. Smith said on Thursday that he couldn’t applaud Sophie Cunningham enough for speaking out against “biological men” competing in women’s sports. Smith also agreed with Cunningham that her stance is rooted in love rather than hate.
The ESPN host’s surprise endorsement of Cunningham generated even more buzz across the sports world.
Sports Community Reacts As Stephen A. Smith Defends Sophie Cunningham’s Position on Trans Athletes
Cunningham first opened up about her belief that biologically born males should not compete in women’s sports during an interview with ESPN’s Hallie Grossman on Monday. The Indiana Fever guard insisted that her position is not motivated by hatred toward the transgender community. Still, she has faced fierce backlash for saying that girls and women should be protected in such situations.
On Wednesday, Cunningham refused to back down during a media availability session. The 29-year-old noted that while she’s “not a very political person,” she won’t waver on the topic.
Smith appreciated Cunningham having the courage to make the now-viral comment. He added that he agrees with her view that people can still love and support the LGBTQ+ community without allowing transgender athletes to join women’s competitions.
As expected, the sports world strongly reacted to Smith’s take, with a mix of praise and outrage.
“If you didn’t hate him enough already, here’s another reason. [Expletive] Stephen A. Smith,” one X user wrote.
“Wow! Stephen A. Smith came out in support of Sophie Cunningham! I have to give him a hat tip!” prominent MAGA supporter Vince Langman tweeted.
Wow! Stephen A. Smith came out in support of Sophie Cunningham!
I have to give him a hat tip! 👏 https://t.co/U2Juf3YFxV
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) July 23, 2026
“You didn’t bring it up until it wouldn’t jeopardize your job. People like Sam Ponder weren’t so lucky,” another X user reacted.
Including you.
You didn’t bring it up until it wouldn’t jeopardize your job
People like Sam Ponder weren’t so lucky
— JVT (@jvtentertains) July 23, 2026
“Sophie Cunningham stood up for common sense, fairness, and safety against men in women’s sports and bathrooms. I have a good feeling this will inspire more female athletes to take a stand now that one of the biggest stars spoke out,” an “America First” proponent opined.
Sophie Cunningham stood up for common sense, fairness, and safety against men in women’s sports and bathrooms. I have a good feeling this will inspire more female athletes to take a stand now that one of the biggest stars spoke out.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) July 23, 2026
“Most people agree with her too, but are absolutely horrified of being labeled something that they are not. It’s time for people to have self-respect and integrity and speak up against obvious nonsense that hurts every single woman on planet Earth, even the ones that support it,” a sports observer wrote.
Most people agree with her too, but are absolutely horrified of being labeled something that they are not. It’s time for people to have self-respect and integrity and speak up against obvious nonsense that hurts every single woman on planet Earth, even the ones that support it
— Avalanche Forever (@citchmook) July 23, 2026
“Why didn’t you say anything as your company celebrated Lia Thomas during women’s history month, Stephen A? Why were you so afraid?” OutKick’s Jon Root countered.
Why didn’t you say anything as your company celebrated Lia Thomas during women’s history month, Stephen A?
Why were you so afraid?
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) July 23, 2026
“No one is afraid to say this. People like u & her make comments like this every other day. What people like you & Sophie are afraid of is research. Out of 500k NCAA athletes, 10 are trans. None were eligible for scholarships. No trans women play in the WNBA. Where is the issue?” another tweeted.
No one is afraid to say this. People like u & her make comments like this every other day
What people like you & Sophie are afraid of is research. Out of 500k NCAA athletes, 10 are trans. None were eligible for scholarships
No transwomen play in the WNBA. Where is the issue?
— Chris White (@BryanIsTheKing) July 23, 2026
Smith claimed that people who don’t share Cunningham’s belief have “no common sense.” He went on to reason that an NBA player moving to the WNBA would have an unfair advantage.
Cunningham and Smith each have their supporters and their critics. Regardless of the feedback, they are firmly entrenched in their stance on transgender athletes joining women’s sports.
