Sophie Cunningham’s stance about trans athletes playing in women’s sports has polarized not only the WNBA but also the Indiana Fever.
While Cunningham is unfailing in her belief, Fever coach Stephanie White’s recent comments on the heated debate drew a scathing response from a former ESPN anchor.
Sage Steele Voices Disappointment With Stephanie White Over Sophie Cunningham Issue
On Friday, after the Fever beat the Portland Fire 112-98, White inevitably faced questions about Cunningham’s stance against transgender athletes.
The Fever head coach said that she wasn’t “educated enough from a scientific standpoint” to back up Cunningham.
“I don’t know that I would say that I’m educated enough from a scientific standpoint. I don’t ever believe that exclusion is an answer,” White said.
Her comments earned a reaction from Sage Steele, a former ESPN host.
“So her player, Sophie Cunningham, spoke up for women, but the head coach won’t?? I’m just so disappointed in this answer from a woman I have loved & respected since she was a kid and won Indiana Miss Basketball in 1995. I remember being so excited back then to interview such a strong young woman. She’s also incredibly smart. And kind,” Steele tweeted.
So her player, Sophie Cunningham, spoke up for women, but the head coach won’t?? I’m just so disappointed in this answer from a woman I have loved & respected since she was a kid and won Indiana Miss Basketball in 1995. I remember being so excited back then to interview such a… https://t.co/YJE4XjNa4X
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) August 1, 2026
“Stephanie White knows the truth. She knows better. They ALL know better, yet none of them have the courage to speak the truth. What a shame. And once again, THANK YOU @sophaller !!”
Roughly a week ago, Cunningham told ESPN that she has nothing but love for the LGBTQ+ community but emphasized her stance on trans athletes participating in women’s sports. The Fever star’s comments have since sparked rallies in the last two Indiana games.
On July 28, Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted two young fans who supported Cunningham. Keaton brought one of the girls to tears after she reportedly laced her words with an expletive.
Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder released a statement apologizing for the incident, while the WNBA suspended Keaton for five home games.
Groups from the LGBTQ+ community and Cunningham’s supporters made their presence felt again before the Fever-Fire game on Friday.
After Indiana won, White told the media that “there is frustration” because of the circus surrounding the Fever, who are playing their best stretch this season.
Indiana is on a five-game winning streak to hold the No. 4 spot in the standings with a 19-10 record. White wants to keep her team’s focus on basketball instead of the outside noise.
However, the controversy surrounding the team seems to get worse after the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year tried to distance herself from Cunningham’s contentious take.
