Charles Barkley called out WNBA and NBA leaders over the handling of the trans athlete debate. The former NBA star said he is disappointed in the leaders over how they addressed the issue.
Charles Barkley says Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert are mishandling the WNBA debate
Charles Barkley shared his opinion on the trans athletes discussion and criticized how WNBA and NBA commissioners handled it. He spoke about the issue with Michael Smerconish on his Sirius XM radio show on Monday.
The NBA analyst believes “under no circumstances” should transgender athletes play in the WNBA. “I always support the gay community. I always support the transgender community. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for gay people and transgender people. But, under no circumstances do I think men should play against women. Zero,” Barkley said.
According to PEOPLE, Barkley also said he is “disappointed” in commissioners Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert. Barkley said, “First of all, you can’t let stupid stuff go out to the internet, which is one of the worst things that ever happened to the world.” He suggested that they “should’ve come out two weeks ago” with their statements.
While speaking about Kanter, Barkley said, “He has a point though.” He argued that “Because Cathy and Adam haven’t said, ‘Hey, it’s in the title, WNBA, we’re not gonna have transgender people in the WNBA and we’re not gonna discuss it again. That’s what Adam and Cathy should’ve done two or three weeks ago before they turn it over to the internet for every fool, idiot, and jackass to have an opinion on.”
Barkley also suggested some of the discussion is fueled by people trying to gain attention online. He referenced Sophie Cunningham, who started the WNBA controversy, and claimed that WNBA players “do not like Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham.”
Currently, no transgender athletes are playing in the WNBA while the issue continues to spark debate among athletes globally.
Originally reported by Aman Sharma for Reality Tea
