Seattle Storm Co-Owner Suspended Amid Ongoing Sophie Cunningham Controversy
Cunningham has positioned herself as an outspoken advocate against trans inclusion in sports.
Seattle Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton has been suspended following a verbal altercation with fans amidst the ongoing Sophie Cunningham debacle.
During Tuesday’s game at Climate Pledge Arena, Keaton reportedly approached two teenage fans who were sitting courtside and holding a sign that read, “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls!”
According to the girls, she called them “fucking insane” and said, “I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you’ve done.”
As a result of the allegations, Keaton was suspended by the WNBA and prevented from attending the team’s next five home games. Storm majority co-owner Ginny Gilder also released a statement apologizing for what happened.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” she said. “We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect.”
The teens were commenting on an ongoing firestorm started by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham over her stance against trans inclusion in sports.
“I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” she told ESPN last month, alongside comments claiming that she “is here to extend love.”
Her anti-trans comments have earned her a wave of support from right-wingers who want trans competitors banned from women’s and girls’ sports. This controversy has spilled over into games, where fans have brought signs both supporting and condemning her remarks.
Cunningham offered her support to the teens via social media, writing, “I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe.”
While her supporters have once again rallied behind her decision to speak up, her critics have been quick to point out that her statement is hypocritical and disingenuous.
“You claim that everyone is welcome, while doing interviews that say ‘you are not welcome here,'” one person replied.
“how can you say trans people are ‘welcome at your table’ but also make comments suggesting that their very existence is a threat to women in sports?” asked another. “these ghouls always try to hide behind their dangerous rhetoric by calling their views a ‘disagreement’ and it’s bullshit.”
Whether or not Keaton’s approach was appropriate, it’s apparent that Cunningham is happily using it to push the tired narrative that being unkind is a much more egregious offense than working to oppress and ostracize a minority group.
