Megan Rapinoe criticizes WNBA player Sophie Cunningham and activist Riley Gaines over post-game photo
On her podcast, former US women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe questioned the stance of WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham and former swimmer Riley Gaines after they posed together, linking the image to broader debates on transgender participation in women's sports.
Former United States women’s national soccer team player Megan Rapinoe used her "Why Are You Like This?" podcast to address the ongoing controversy surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. She referenced a photograph taken after an Indiana Fever game in which guard Sophie Cunningham posed with former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, describing the image as indicative of the players’ views.
"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.
Rapinoe also commented on Gaines, stating that the activist has made it her mission to oppose transgender inclusion and is associated with conservative groups that have advocated for changes to Title IX. She argued that current policies already address concerns about fairness in elite sports and suggested that the debate should focus on protecting young athletes.
The podcast segment did not include direct statements from Cunningham or Gaines responding to Rapinoe’s remarks.