Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith recently blasted Cheryl Reeve of the WNBA after she was seen wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” T-shirt at a recent game.
There’s been much conversation surrounding the league over the last few weeks after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham told the media she was against transgender women competing in women’s sports.
Naturally, Cunningham has faced backlash from WNBA fans; however, Smith seemed to come to her defense during an episode of his popular podcast.
Smith is known for his outspoken personality and sometimes unpopular takes in the world of sports. During an episode of his “Stephen A. Smith” show, the ESPN host criticized Reeve for having “no regard” for the league after she was spotted wearing a shirt that seemed to show her support for transgender individuals.
“And then you’re going to come out with a T-shirt. No regard for the WNBA. No regard for the sponsors that may be put off by that. No regard for the bottom line that might be affected,” he shouted. “It’s just an accidental coincidence that that’s the game you chose to wear that? Oh, THIS IS THE B.S.! IT’S THE SELFISHNESS! IT’S PUTTING YOURSELF BEFORE THE BETTERMENT OF THE WHOLE!”
Smith Says Reeve’s Actions Were ‘Irresponsible’
Smith didn’t stop there. During his recent episode, he slammed the Minnesota Lynx head coach for being “irresponsible” and appeared to criticize her for not caring enough about women’s sports.
“You are Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the Minnesota Lynx. That is an irresponsible thing to do. You are a coach for a female basketball team!” he screamed. “Do you not think that the females are being screwed over if they have to compete against an individual born as a male? What are you talking about?”
As he continued, Smith said that he wasn’t against transgender athletes, but said that he didn’t approve of them competing against biological women.
“Nobody said you can’t transition from male to female. The issue here is competing against the women. That’s what Sophie Cunningham was talking about,” he said.
Smith Says ‘People Are Not Against’ Trans Athletes
Smith’s comments come after Cunningham’s earlier statements about transgender athletes put a spotlight on the Missouri alum. According to The Blast, while Cunningham said she’s “here to extend love,” she also feels an obligation to “protect young girls in a locker room.”
Smith echoed her stance elsewhere in his podcast, stating that he’s not “against” trans athletes despite the current discussion. “There are a lot of people who are empathetic and sympathetic to the challenges that you face… and want you to live your best life,” he said.
“But it can’t be at the expense of young ladies born as girls, raised as girls, evolving into women … You don’t have the right to impede upon women’s sports,” he added.
Reeve Is About Creating A Welcoming Space For All In The WNBA And Beyond
Caitlin Clark dodges question on protecting women’s sports.
“It’s for the leagues and governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions.” pic.twitter.com/LZSx91D4XX
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 2, 2026
Before Reeve was seen with her “Trans Kids Belong” shirt, the Lynx coach spoke with the media and said she was all about sports being a welcoming environment for everyone involved.
“I come from a space of inclusion,” she said. “The narrative that I think is problematic is to suggest that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women’s sports. This is what’s bothersome. There is a faction of people in our country that are making this a massive issue.”
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakse shared a similar statement, saying “allowing everyone to be their authentic selves” is an important part of sports.
Caitlin Clark Appears To Sidestep Question About Her WNBA Teammate’s Opinion
Coward. https://t.co/4ietxcRCj5
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 3, 2026
Cunningham’s Indiana Fever teammate, Caitlin Clark, was asked to share her thoughts on trans athletes competing in women’s sports and told the media that it was a topic she hadn’t really considered.
“I think it’s for leagues and the governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions, but our focus is on basketball,” she said.
Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly disagreed with her “cowardly” response during her “Megyn Kelly” podcast and slammed the Iowa alum for dodging the question.
“I’m sorry, Caitlin Clark was directly asked to speak on it, and she was cowardly! She refused to do it,” she stated.