The Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx game at Target Center saw the third consecutive rally after Sophie Cunningham expressed her views on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Although both rallies had instances of friction between Cunningham supporters and critics, this time Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted a video of an altercation turning physical.
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“BREAKING: The trans supporters just assaulted a Sophie Cunningham supporter outside Target Center in Minneapolis. Security has stepped in,” Grage wrote in the caption of his video that captured the physical altercation.
In the footage, a Sophie Cunningham supporter is seen holding up an XX-XY Athletics shirt while pro-trans activists shout phrases like “protect trans women” and “the hate has failed” through megaphones. However, a few seconds into the clip, the aggression became overtly physical, with the activist forcefully gripping the shirt and attempting to snatch it away before another man stepped in.
Thankfully, an arena security personnel stepped in to stop the scuffle and instructed those involved to keep the demonstration peaceful.
Before this incident, fans carrying particular signage had already caused controversy. During the July 28 Fever vs. Storm game, Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton accosted two teenagers wearing XX-YY shirts and carrying the sign that read, “Thank you Sophie, for speaking up for girl.”
Following the incident, the WNBA looked into it and decided to fine the Storm co-owner and barred her from attending five Seattle Storm home games at Climate Pledge Arena.
“We respect the league’s decision to fine and suspend co-owner Celeste Keaton,” the Storm said in their official statement following the disciplinary action.
However, what distinguishes Minneapolis is that the previous incident had not escalated to the level of physical aggression seen in this footage. In fact, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who also does not share Cunningham’s position on the transgender athlete debate, and even sported a t-shirt with “Trans Kids Belong” printed on the front, had spoken about the rallies.
“I haven’t seen all of it, I haven’t heard everything that’s happening. But everyone has a right to peacefully assemble, whether you agree with them or not.”
However, what eventually unfolded a day after her statement, in front of the Target Center, was the opposite of what the Lynx coach said. So far, three back-to-back rallies have taken place since play resumed after the All-Star Break. For now, no further rally has been publicly announced ahead of the Fever’s upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces.
Then again, there’s plenty of time left until August 7. After all, the first three rallies were announced just days ahead of the scheduled games. However, after the Lynx snapped their WNBA record-setting five-game winning streak, the team will be more focused than ever on plugging the holes that Minnesota exploited.