{
  "id": 69571,
  "title": "“This is despicable” – WNBA Fans Explode As ESPN Gives Cheryl Reeve’s Trans Athlete Remarks Major Spotlight During Fever Game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/this-is-despicable-wnba-fans-explode-as-espn-gives-cheryl-reeves",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T04:15:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/despicable-wnba-fans-explode-espn-041537673.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During the 2026 WNBA regular season matchup between Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve donned a shirt expressing support for transgender athletes. This shirt featured the message, \"Trans kids belong,\" following recent comments by WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. ESPN's play-by-play commentator Ryan Ruocco acknowledged the shirt's message, stating it was in the aftermath of Cunningham's recent remarks about protecting the rights of female athletes. Color analyst Rebecca Lobo encouraged viewers to listen to Reeve's comments, calling them \"incredibly thoughtful.\" However, the commentary team's reaction to Reeve's shirt did not sit well with fans, with some blasting them and the league, calling it \"despicable.\" The Lynx ultimately secured a 108-100 victory over the Fever, with Olivia Miles and Courtney Williams contributing significantly to the win. Before the game, Reeve and Cunningham had a face-to-face conversation, which Reeve later described as positive and educational, despite differing views on certain issues.",
  "summary": "During the Minnesota-Indiana matchup on Sunday, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt that expressed support for transgender athletes. On the ESPN broadcast, play-by-play commentator Ryan Ruocco acknowledged the message and context of Reeve’s shirt.",
  "key_points": [
    "WNBA game between Fever and Lynx sparks controversy.",
    "Cheryl Reeve's shirt \"Trans kids belong\" draws criticism.",
    "Fans call ESPN's reaction to Reeve's comments \"despicable.\""
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "‘Incredibly thoughtful’: ESPN praises Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for saying ‘protect trans kids’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/incredibly-thoughtful-espn-praises-lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-for-saying",
        "published": "2026-08-02T19:33:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}