Wordplay and Violence
Have you ever noticed that those who argue that words can be violent can, quite ironically, become quite aggressive with their own words?
And, those who passionately advocate for diversity? Well, it seems many struggle when faced with differing opinions.
It feels a bit contradictory for the WNBA to claim it’s a model of inclusion when women with opposing views are treated like outsiders.
Not that there’s an issue with shirts; they seem perfectly fine—unless, of course, you wear one that doesn’t align with the accepted narrative.
George Carlin’s concept of NIMBY springs to mind.
Shirt Incident
During Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, Jen Sey and a few friends donned shirts from XX-XY Athletics.
Sey, a former national gymnastics champion and the founder of the brand, argues that women’s sports should be exclusive to women.
I’m on the same page here.
I’ve sat near fans representing teams I’m not fond of—mostly fans of the Michigan Wolverines, to be honest.
In our house, mentioning the “M-word” is a no-go.
But we managed to enjoy the afternoon, sharing a beer and some laughs.
Yet, four women wearing XX-XY shirts seemed to create a situation that the basketball game couldn’t resolve.
They boldly wore their shirts for all to see—in public, no less.
How shocking.
Clearly, they should have kept their shirts hidden away.
As security led Sey and her friends away, footage showed the crowd hurling insults and gestures at them—such tolerance from the fans, right?
They were called “disgusting,” among other not-so-kind remarks.
Attacks and Intolerance
Sey reported that some spectators even suggested she take her own life—real class act, right?
In San Francisco, known for its peace-loving reputation.
Security questioned the group because complaints arose that they were provoking others—how? By merely wearing their shirts.
OutKick noted that security acknowledged the shirts were compliant with the Fan Code of Conduct.
Shocking, I know.
They were eventually allowed back to their seats.
Sey mentioned they were escorted out again after the game for their own safety.
The WNBA and the Valkyries both declined to comment when approached.
I recall when the hardest part of leaving a game was finding my vehicle.
Those were simpler times.
A great evening celebrating women at a women’s basketball game.
Buy a ticket, wear a shirt, and receive a live illustration of why many women hesitate to voice their opinions.
Events before the Anthem
Before that same game, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned those who use social media to spread “hate and racism” towards players.
She emphasized the investment in player security—good to hear.
But while you’re making your rounds, perhaps consider the women in the stands who also need assurance.
No need to dig into their social media; just follow the shouting to where women are being harassed for what they wear.
Meanwhile, both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the national anthem, returning only after it concluded.
Interestingly, both teams walked off before Game 2 and Game 3 again—so let’s get this straight.
Players can make bold political statements by not being present, yet spectators expressing themselves through clothing face scrutiny?
Rules on Conduct
The league hasn’t answered inquiries about the teams’ exits during three consecutive games. This post goes live right before Game 4. Will the trend continue?
The league’s rulebook provides clear conduct guidelines for players during the anthem.
Yet, it seems the guidelines are being overlooked.
Perhaps the commissioner is still sorting through the manual?
Here’s a hint: check it on page 75, under the section about player and team conduct, it specifies that players should stand in position during the anthem.
Those instructions are pretty clear.
It’s hard to miss the designated spots on a basketball court.
This begs the question: why the animosity towards patriotism from the WNBA? The teams can walk away during the anthem, yet four women in the wrong shirts receive immediate attention.
This isn’t the first shirt debacle either.
Previous Conflicts
Earlier this season, Seattle Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton confronted two teenage fans supporting a player, which led to her being fined and suspended from home games.
What a turn of events—an owner of a women’s professional team confronting young fans for backing a female athlete.
The youth outreach here could use some serious improvement.
In Atlanta, a mother and daughter were told to hide or remove their XX-XY shirts or leave the venue.
Do you see a pattern emerging?
Eventually, the WNBA acknowledged that the directive was inappropriate. It’s baffling how often they have to reiterate this.
You’d think a straightforward instruction like “don’t do that again” would be easy to communicate to staff.
Four simple words—fits neatly on a Post-it note.
Mixed Messages
Meanwhile, Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve sported a shirt advocating for trans kids while coaching against Indiana.
Her supporters hail it as advocacy, yet Sey’s shirt is viewed as a provocation. Same mode of expression, but a vastly different reception.
It seems the issue isn’t about wearing a message, but rather whose message is being sanctioned.
Cunningham, too, faced boos and protests after defending women in sports.
Not to mention the tough foul she endured, leading to an ejection—while it may not directly indicate a political agenda, it raises valid questions about player safety.
Where’s the celebrated space for outspoken women when Sophie Cunningham faces backlash?
The WNBA cannot keep branding itself as a beacon of inclusion while simultaneously treating women with differing views as outsiders.
Such hypocrisy can’t be ignored, and a pregame statement to denounce hate doesn’t absolve the league when paying fans experience hostility in the arena.
A Final Dilemma
So here we are once again, at the Finals, debating whether women who support female sports are dressing appropriately for a women’s event.
Players, coaches, owners, and fans all have their political opinions—so should the woman sitting nearby.
Even if her expression is in a different style.
That’s the beauty of clothing—it’s an expression of opinions, something we’ve been doing for ages.
People at airports often display messages through what they wear, and most of us can handle it without calling security.
But in the stands at a WNBA game, it seems it’s a different story.
If your reaction to a shirt is to yell obscenities at the woman wearing it, I’m much more interested in what you’re saying than what might be on her shirt.
As Stealers Wheel put it … surrounded by clowns and jokers. And here we are, caught in between.
With the puzzling dynamics of the WNBA and women left wondering why a league centered around them struggles with accepting different opinions.
