If you’ve been following the WNBA in the news recently, it’s likely that most of the stories you’ve seen have been centered around the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
It all started when Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever spoke out against the idea. Throw in ensuing protests, endless culture warring, a controversial flagrant foul and its ongoing fallout, and you have all the makings of a hot-button issue that isn’t going anywhere.
Geno Auriemma is confused by all of this. In an interview with TMZ’s Mike Babcock this week, the legendary UConn women’s basketball coach argued that the matter is essentially a non-issue.
‘An issue that doesn’t exist’
“Well, not to belittle it at all because I don’t mean to because listen, you know, people have a right to their opinion. I get it,” Auriemma said. “But why are we making a big issue over an issue that doesn’t exist?”
“I don’t remember reading where there’s transsexual players in the WNBA,” he added. “I don’t remember reading where they were being presented with cases where this is going to happen next week. I don’t see an issue. Why are we making it an issue?”
Continuing, Auriemma offered his take on why this topic has become so prevalent.
“We’re making it an issue because there’s enough people out there that need this to be an issue for their own personal gain,” Auriemma said.
Auriemma suggests shifting the convo
It’s tough to argue with Auriemma’s logic. Cunningham’s comments in an ESPN story kickstarted all of this, and there’s no problem with actual good faith dialogue about this issue, but the discourse has been overtaken by grifters and opportunists.
“I think we should talk about the players. We should talk about the teams. We should talk about the incredible young group of players that have come into the league. We should talk about how incredible some of these teams are,” Auriemma said.
A nice concept, but one that seems unlikely to become reality any time soon.
The post ‘I don’t see an issue’: Geno Auriemma shuts down WNBA transgender controversy appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.