Charles Barkley Criticizes WNBA for Handling of Transgender Athlete Issue

NBA Hall of Famer and sports commentator Charles Barkley made clear his stance that the WNBA should remain a league exclusively for women. In a podcast interview with CNN host Michael Smerconish, Barkley addressed the controversy involving former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who was removed from a WNBA game. This incident was triggered after he wore a T-shirt with the message, “WOMAN noun. adult human female,” which led to a confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud.

Critics have accused Freedom of seeking to incite controversy. Barkley, known for his frankness, stated his respect for the transgender community but firmly opposed biological men competing against biological women. He highlighted what he sees as a lack of action from NBA and WNBA leadership on this issue.

The WNBA is for women only. Period.

Barkley criticized NBA commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for their silence, arguing they should have addressed the issue earlier. He urged them to state unequivocally that transgender athletes will not be allowed in the WNBA.

Barkley emphasized that the focus should not shift to public discourse driven by “fools on the internet” or political entities. He stated, “The WNBA is for women. This is the last time we’re going to discuss it.”

He also noted that incidents like Freedom’s game removal and backlash against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham for her comments against transgender athletes have damaged the WNBA’s reputation. In recent debates, commentator Clay Travis offered $10 million for a “Battle of the Sexes” matchup to challenge current views.

Barkley remarked on the lack of positive news surrounding the WNBA, expressing his frustration as a fan. In reaction, Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics, praised Barkley for vocalizing his stance. Payton McNabb, Ambassador for Independent Women, echoed Sey’s sentiments, challenging the WNBA to clarify its position.

However, some, like May Mailman from the Independent Women’s Law Center, questioned whether Barkley’s comments would inspire broader support for women’s sports. She pointed out that figures like Sophie Cunningham have faced considerable backlash for speaking out.

The WNBA has faced scrutiny as both Freedom and former NBA player Royce White expressed intentions to join in response to support for transgender athletes. Despite the WNBA’s current rule stating eligibility for “women,” the definition remains unspecified.

Lindsay Kornick, associate editor for Fox News Digital, invites story tips via email and Twitter.