Riley Gaines claimed she was singled out during Sunday’s game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. The former NCAA swimmer alleged WNBA officials prevented her from displaying a “Thank You” sign in support of Sophie Cunningham during the game.
Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gaines highlighted that there were 1,000+ signs in the arena, but she was the only one to get singled out.
“There were no fewer than 1000 signs in the arena. Most with trans paraphernalia,” Gaines wrote. “The only person who was told to put her sign down by WNBA officials was me. Wonder why.”
Gaines also shared an image of her sign showing love to Cunningham.
“Sophie, Thank you – A girl mom,” the sign read.
According to Gaines, WNBA officials told her the sign wasn’t allowed because it included a person’s name. However, she later hinted that explanation was simply an excuse and claimed she had been singled out.
Gaines, who has been outspoken against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, showed her support for Cunningham after the Fever guard shared similar views during a July interview.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham said. “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men
Cunningham’s comments drew praise from supporters of her stance, including Gaines. However, the former NCAA swimmer claimed she was unable to publicly show that support after WNBA officials allegedly told her to put her sign away.
Riley Gaines shares courtside photo with her “thank you” card before linking up with Sophie Cunningham
Riley Gaines may not have been able to hold up the sign she made for Sophie Cunningham during the game, but managed to take a picture with it on the Target Center hardwood.
The activist shared an image of her holding the sign courtside on X (formerly Twitter).
“General rule of thumb is when Minneapolis boos for something, normal people applaud. I show up for my girl @sophaller because she shows up for my daughter. 🩷,” Gaines captioned the image.
Moments later, Gaines shared another image, but this time with Cunningham herself as they both posed with the sign.
“Little girls belong!” Gaines wrote.
The linkup came after Gaines alleged WNBA officials prevented her from displaying the sign during the game, making it all the sweeter.
Edited by Arian Kashyap
