The White House came to the defense of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham on Thursday after she faced criticism for saying men should not compete in women’s sports or share women’s locker rooms.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is aware of Cunningham’s comments and shares her concerns. Leavitt told reporters that Trump has not reached out to Cunningham but is following the story.
Leavitt described the backlash as evidence of a disconnect between some activists and the public. She called the position that men should not play in women’s sports an 80-20 issue rooted in common sense and biological fact.
Cunningham made her remarks in an ESPN interview published Tuesday and stood by them when pressed on Wednesday. She said she aims to protect young girls in sports and locker rooms while rejecting labels that she hates transgender people.
The WNBA Players Association has voiced opposition to restrictions on transgender participation in sports.
