Former Vikings captain Jack Brewer criticizes Lynx coach's trans-inclusion shirt

Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer publicly denounced Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve for wearing a shirt that read “trans kids belong” during a recent WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever. Brewer said the apparel conflicted with the Lynx’s historical legacy in the state and expressed concern that it sent a message to young female fans about gender-inclusion policies in sports.

"It is sad to think that young girls in Minnesota are coming to games and watching teams promote something like that," Brewer said in a statement. He added that, as a father of an eight-year-old daughter who participates in competitive sports, he found the shirt “embarrassing.”

Brewer also urged other WNBA coaches, owners and teams to speak out against what he described as “ignorant” positions on the issue, and he called for accountability for coaches who promote such messages. In addition, he criticized the league’s handling of star player Caitlin Clark, arguing that she should receive greater recognition.

The controversy follows a series of protests and counter-protests outside the Target Center ahead of the game, where supporters of player Sophie Cunningham’s stance on women’s sports clashed with pro-trans demonstrators. Other WNBA coaches have faced scrutiny for their comments on the topic, and a Seattle Storm co-owner was recently suspended after an incident involving fans supporting Cunningham.