Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham created a media firestorm with her comments several weeks back regarding trans athletes taking part in women’s sports. Now, people from all corners of the sports and political news worlds are chiming in with their own takes.
The latest to stir up some controversy regarding this conversation is Matt Calkins, a columnist for The Seattle Times. He announced his resignation after 11 years in his role for reasons that got plenty of people fired up.
WNBA Columnist Resigns Over Scrapped Article Related to Sophie Cunningham’s Comments
Calkins tweeted on Thursday that he was resigning after an article on trans athletes was reportedly scrapped by the paper.
After 11 years as a sports columnist at the Seattle Times, I have decided to resign. It was entirely my choice, and it was not an easy one. The impetus was the Times declining to run a column I wrote from the perspective of two female student athletes who were opposed to…
— Matt Calkins (@Matt_Calkins) August 20, 2026
“After 11 years as a sports columnist at the Seattle Times, I have decided to resign,” he wrote. “It was entirely my choice, and it was not an easy one. The impetus was the Times declining to run a column I wrote from the perspective of two female student athletes who were opposed to competing against biological males.”
Calkins explained how he felt he could no longer do his job as a columnist for The Seattle Times after they chose to scrap ‘several’ of his articles.
“It was one of several pieces of mine that had been spiked, and I no longer felt like I could properly do my job as a columnist… I want to say that I enjoyed my time with the paper, find the talent there to be immense, and have no animosity toward anyone who works there. It was just time for a change,” he added in his post on X.
This led to plenty of backlash from those on social media in support of banning biological males from women’s sports.
“A horrendous look for the Seattle Times,” wrote fellow columnist Mac Engel. “Matt Calkins’ departure is a loss.”
A horrendous look for the @seattletimes @Matt_Calkins departure is a loss. https://t.co/EnLTpSYrho
— Mac Engel (@MacEngelProf) August 20, 2026
It should be noted that Calkins chose to resign. However, it is rare to see a columnist have an article scrapped, even over such sensitive issues.
Political and sports commentator Clay Travis chimed in with a job offer for his new venture.
“Unacceptable,” Travis wrote. “Email Dom Bonvissuto at Sport & State. We may have a job for you.”
Unacceptable. Email @dombonvissuto @SportNState. We may have a job for you. https://t.co/Uf3NLbeoE3
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 20, 2026
The world of politics has always seeped into sports, but this situation is so polarizing that it is arguably taking a great deal of attention away from the actual games on the court. That is especially true when it comes to Cunningham, whose name is attached to this debate.
“You’re a hero Matt,” Antonio S wrote. “Please keep writing the truth because it’s slowly disappearing from newspapers. The media’s capture by woke activists is one of the great tragedies of our time.”
You’re a hero Matt. Please keep writing the truth because it’s slowly disappearing from newspapers. The media’s capture by woke activists is one of the great tragedies of our time.
— Antonio S (@AntonioSMW) August 20, 2026
This conversation is not going away anytime soon and will likely continue to surround the remainder of the WNBA season.
“You made the right call Matt,” penned a user. “Congratulations. You stood up for your integrity. Shame on the Times but then again they have a the wrong mindset and frankly I hope more see the crap they pull. Praying for good things for you and hopefully you can land in a place where you can share those stories.”
You made the right call Matt. Congratulations. You stood up for your integrity. Shame on the Times but then again they have a the wrong mindset and frankly I hope more see the crap they pull. Praying for good things for you and hopefully you can land in a place where you can…
— shanesimm83 (@shanesimm83) August 20, 2026
Cunningham can try to step back from her comments, but there is no shelving this conversation. It is a daily talking point, and WNBA coaches and players continue to be asked for their opinion on the matter. When that ends is anyone’s guess.
