WNBPA issues statement embracing diversity and inclusion amid trans athlete debate in women's sports

The Women's National Basketball Players Association issued a statement on Friday praising the "different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles, and opinions" in the wake of the trans-athlete debate reaching the league.

"To everyone who loves this game: The WNBPA represents 200+ individual people with different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles, and opinions. We embrace justice , equity, diversity, and inclusion. Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women's sports while creating transformational change," the WNBPA said in its statement.

"Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.

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Support the Players. Support the Fans. At games, notify security if you witness hateful, violent, or abusive behavior. Online, report abusive posts and drown out the bots and bad actors. At home, tell your elected officials to strengthen Title IX."

The statement comes more than two weeks after a quote from Sophie Cunningham was released in an article in which she said "young girls...shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sports.

"I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men," Cunningham said.

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"I'll always believe in that. It's really important to protect children, and that's little girls who are also involved in that category."

The WNBPA's statement also came shortly after former NBA big man Enes Kanter Freedom announced on social media that he was declaring for the WNBA draft, saying he has met all the eligibility requirements and just needs to simply identify as a woman.

Ever since Cunningham's comments, numerous players and coaches have been outspoken before, during, and after games, with many apparently disagreeing with Cunningham.

Rallies supporting Cunningham have been held prior to several of her games ever since the comments were unearthed.

Megan Rapinoe recently criticized Cunningham for taking a photo with Riley Gaines, who competed against trans swimmer Lia Thomas in college.

"I don't know Sophie, so I can only project what I see about her beliefs based on her actions, and seeing a picture of her with Riley Gaines after the game told me everything I need to know about what's happening," Rapinoe said.