Riley Gaines praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for publicly opposing the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sport. Gaines portrayed Cunningham’s stance as unusually courageous because it could carry professional risks in a sporting environment where the issue is contentious.

The article says Cunningham received a surge of support after speaking out, although the supplied text does not provide specific figures or details of her comments. Gaines argued that athletes who raise concerns about competitive fairness in women’s sport deserve recognition and backing.