Steven McBee Jr. is weighing in on the debate surrounding trans athletes in women’s sports, and he is making it clear that he stands with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.
The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys star appeared on Tomi Lahren Is Fearless, where he defended Sophie after she received backlash for her comments about wanting to protect women’s sports.
Sophie, who plays for the Indiana Fever, recently doubled down on her stance regarding biological males competing in women’s sports. Her comments sparked major debate online, including criticism from her podcast co-host and Summer House alum West Wilson.
West previously pushed back on the argument, saying he believed the issue of transgender athletes in American sports is being exaggerated and used as a political distraction. His comments did not sit well with everyone, including Steven.
While speaking with Tomi Lahren, Steven said he believes men should not be leading the conversation when it comes to who competes in women’s sports.
“As a man, the transgender sports thing doesn’t necessarily affect me because if a woman wanted to come over and play in men’s sports, hey, good luck,” Steven said. “So I don’t think any man should be really speaking from their perspective on things.”
Steven said he respects Sophie for being willing to speak up on an issue she believes in, especially knowing that she would likely face backlash.
He also said he was not shocked by West’s response.
According to Steven, “it’s no secret” which way West “leaned politically” and what he “likes to promote.”
Still, Steven argued that the issue should not be reduced to right versus left.
“It shouldn’t be right-wing and damn sure shouldn’t be men commenting on who and what should be allowed in women’s sports,” Steven said.
He added that, in his opinion, the decision should be left to women because they are the ones directly impacted.
“That’s for, in my opinion, women to decide because they’re the ones dealing with the repercussions, whatever may come from that,” Steven explained.
The Bravo crossover drama comes after Sophie faced criticism for saying she wants to “protect young girls” in sports. Sophie has also clarified that she does not hate trans people, saying she wants to extend love while still speaking what she believes is the truth.
West, however, had a very different take, arguing that the number of transgender athletes competing in American sports is extremely small and that the topic is being used to distract from bigger issues.
Now, Steven is pushing back and saying men should not be the loudest voices in a debate that directly affects women athletes.
