Stephen A. Smith Blasts WNBA Coach Who Wore Pro-Trans Shirt: 'How Is that Okay?'

French transgender basketball star Julie Tétart has stated she would accept a WNBA contract if offered one, though she acknowledged the likelihood of such an opportunity remaining slim due to age and competition levels. Tétart, a 34-year-old 6-foot-3 center who transitioned in 2021, led France’s second-tier Ligue 2 women’s league in scoring and rebounding during the 2025–26 season, averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game for Monaco. She was recognized with multiple awards, including Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year, yet she did not receive the league’s MVP honor. This omission drew criticism from the transgender advocacy group TRANSpire, which claimed that both Tétart and another transgender player, Aurore Pautou, were unfairly overlooked despite their standout performances. Tétart responded to questions about potential WNBA interest with measured optimism. When asked directly whether she would consider playing in the league, she initially said it was not possible. “Obviously, it’s a childhood dream just like for any female basketball player, but unfortunately, it’s not possible,” she wrote in an Instagram direct message to OutKick. However, when pressed further and informed that the WNBA positions itself as an inclusive league, Tétart suggested the issue lay more with the U.S. political environment than with the league itself. “The league, yes. The country, no, haha,” she quipped, implying that external factors might hinder opportunities for transgender athletes. Despite Tétart’s openness, the prospect of her joining the WNBA has drawn sharp opposition from some fans and commentators. On social media platform X, numerous users expressed resistance to the idea of transgender athletes competing in women’s leagues, reflecting broader societal divisions around inclusion in sports. These reactions underscore the ongoing debate over the role of transgender individuals in competitive athletics, particularly in spaces traditionally reserved for cisgender women. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding transgender participation in sports has extended beyond the court. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized WNBA head coach Cheryl Reeve for wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt during a public appearance, arguing that the move undermined the integrity of women’s sports. In a segment on his show, Smith accused Reeve of irresponsibility, stating, “You are a coach for a female basketball team. Do you not think that the females are being screwed over if they have to compete against an individual who’s born as a male?” He emphasized his stance that biological males should not compete in women’s sports, asserting that this position does not conflict with supporting the rights of transgender individuals. Sophie Cunningham, a former Australian swimmer and advocate for excluding biological males from women’s sports, echoed similar sentiments. Speaking with ESPN, Cunningham defended her views, stating, “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’” She reiterated her commitment to protecting young athletes, emphasizing that she seeks to “extend love” while also being “honest” about the risks posed by allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. Her remarks prompted intense backlash from progressive audiences, leading her to reaffirm her position in a press conference, declaring, “I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense, and I think I will always believe in that.” Reeve, in turn, defended her actions, insisting that all children, regardless of gender identity, should have access to sports. “Every kid has a right to sports regardless of (being) gender diverse, transgender,” she said. While acknowledging complexities in cases involving older athletes or those pursuing elite competitions, she stressed that the solution lies in finding common ground rather than outright exclusion. “The answer isn’t no,” she added, highlighting the need for nuanced discussions about inclusivity versus fairness in athletic contexts.