Sunday night’s game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream is facing criticism for all the wrong reasons. First, the Dream drew attention after reportedly skipping the pre-game national anthem.
Then, a mother and daughter supporting Sophie Cunningham said they were asked to cover their shirts during the game. Now, a Republican politician has given her verdict on the situation.
U.S. Representative’s Recent Comment Regarding Sunday’s Incident
The incident happened at State Farm Arena, where two Indiana Fever fans attended the game wearing “XX-XY Athletics” shirts in support of Cunningham. The mother and daughter had reportedly spent around $1,000 each on their tickets and had come to watch the Fever star and support her stance on women’s sports.
For most of the game, nothing happened. However, during overtime, a security guard approached the two fans and asked them to leave their seats so he could speak with them.
According to the fans, the guard told them that another person had complained about their shirts because they were offended by the message. They were then given a choice. They could either put on Atlanta Dream “Wellness & Health Night” shirts provided by the arena or risk being removed from the building.
The mother and daughter did not want to miss the rest of the game, especially after paying a large amount for their tickets. So, they agreed to put on the shirts and remained in the arena.
After leaving the stadium, the two spoke with reporters and shared another part of their experience. They claimed that another person inside the arena was wearing a “Trans Kids Belong in Sports” shirt, but that fan was not asked to cover it or leave.
The story quickly started making rounds across the internet. Many people questioned whether the arena had applied its rules equally to different messages.
The controversy soon reached Washington. U.S. Representative from Colorado Lauren Boebert shared a post on X about the incident and criticized the WNBA, arguing that the league was not standing up for women.
“Apparently the W doesn’t stand for Women. It’s the Woke National Basketball Association. All of the genders, none of the fun,” Boebert wrote on X.
Apparently the W doesn’t stand for Women.
It’s the Woke National Basketball Association.
All of the genders, none of the fun. https://t.co/6WrmJ4IdI2
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) August 18, 2026
Boebert was not the only political figure to weigh in. U.S. Senator Rick Scott also commented on the situation.
“First, the WNBA can’t define what a woman is, now this? THANK YOU, Sophie Cunningham and all the incredible people standing for the truth: men don’t belong in women’s sports. I’m right there with you!” Scott wrote on X.
The incident has now become another flashpoint in the wider debate over free expression and women’s sports.
