Outrage erupted online after an Atlanta Dream security guard allegedly forced a mother and daughter to cover up their XX-XY Athletics t-shirts during Sunday’s overtime clash against the Indiana Fever.
The Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese clash was overshadowed as critics on social media condemned the security personnel’s actions, calling them a blatant act of censorship.
Security Sparks Fan Backlash During Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Showdown
Clark’s Fever capped off a thrilling 95-91 overtime win against Reese’s Dream, but the real storm erupted off the court.
Conservative commentator Jon Root posted on X alleging that arena security forced a local Georgia mom and daughter to put Atlanta Dream shirts over their XX-XY Athletics t-shirts during overtime or face ejection.
“BREAKING: A local Georgia mom & daughter were discriminated against at Sunday’s Fever vs Dream game for wearing @xx_xyathletics shirts. During OT, a security guard told them
they had to put provided Atlanta Dream shirts over their shirts, or they would be escorted out… This is unacceptable @AtlantaDream,” he wrote on X while sharing a video of the issue.
To understand the tension, one has to look at the league’s ongoing battle over inclusivity policies. XX-XY Athletics, founded by Jennifer Sey, is an apparel brand named after the female and male sex chromosomes, built around the mission to protect biological women’s sports.
The brand’s shirts have reportedly become a symbol for fans backing player Sophie Cunningham, who sparked a heated debate by calling for biological-only criteria in the WNBA.
Root’s post immediately went viral, sparking massive outrage online.
“They’re cowards for what they’re doing. They certainly didn’t make Cheryl Reeves cover up her t-shirt,” one user on X wrote.
Another expressed their feelings in a single word, writing: “Disgusting.”
XX-XY founder Sey also made her opinion known on the matter. “The t-shirt of the resistance. @xx_xyathletics,” she wrote.
“@WNBA @AtlantaDream that is absolute discrimination, violating their first amendment rights. If it were me, you’d be hearing from my attorneys just goes to prove that this league is gutter trash once again,” another WNBA observer posted.
The Sunday, August 16 clash between Fever and Dream was a classic. Both teams started hot, ending the first quarter tied at 21.
Atlanta grabbed a slim lead by halftime. However, Indiana turned up the defense in the fourth quarter, locking down the Dream to just 9 points to force overtime.
Clark led the Fever with 26 points, while Makayla Timpson scored three big baskets in the extra period to finish with a career-high 20. Indiana pulled away in OT for a thrilling 95-91 victory, extending their winning streak to four games.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.