Stephen A. Smith blames ‘the right’ for WNBA firestorm, says league ‘left the door open’

Smith tried to pin some of the political turmoil surrounding the WNBA on "the right," but his argument ultimately circled back to the league's own failures.Even as Smith accused conservatives of politicizing controversy, he argued that the WNBA created the opening by failing to establish clear rules and leadership, namely around the transgender issue increasingly confronting the league.On his eponymous YouTube show Monday, Smith put the responsibility on the league office, arguing that its lack of clear guidelines has allowed disputes over biological males competing in women's sports to consume the conversation.THE WNBA HAS LIMITED OPTIONS AFTER TWO MEN DECLARED FOR THE DRAFT, AND THOSE OPTIONS AREN'T GREAT"You’ve got to have rules and regulations," Smith said. You can’t have this."Smith then turned his attention to the right, accusing conservatives of maneuvering through the controversy for political advantage.That includes former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who have declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft in an effort to challenge the league's gender-eligibility rules.Smith's larger point: The WNBA left the door open for its political opponents to walk right through it.FORMER NBA STAR ENES KANTER FREEDOM WRITES LETTER TO WNBA OFFICIALLY DECLARING FOR 2027 DRAFT"Sure, the right is maneuvering its way through the terrain and politicizing this issue," Smith said.
Reported by 1 outlet — Fox News Latest. See all sources ↓
Smith tried to pin some of the political turmoil surrounding the WNBA on "the right," but his argument ultimately circled back to the league's own failures.Even as Smith accused conservatives of politicizing controversy, he argued that the WNBA created the opening by failing to establish clear rules and leadership, namely around the transgender issue increasingly confronting the league.On his eponymous YouTube show Monday, Smith put the responsibility on the league office, arguing that its lack of clear guidelines has allowed disputes over biological males competing in women's sports to consume the conversation.THE WNBA HAS LIMITED OPTIONS AFTER TWO MEN DECLARED FOR THE DRAFT, AND THOSE OPTIONS AREN'T GREAT"You’ve got to have rules and regulations," Smith said. You can’t have this."Smith then turned his attention to the right, accusing conservatives of maneuvering through the controversy for political advantage.That includes former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who have declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft in an effort to challenge the league's gender-eligibility rules.Smith's larger point: The WNBA left the door open for its political opponents to walk right through it.FORMER NBA STAR ENES KANTER FREEDOM WRITES LETTER TO WNBA OFFICIALLY DECLARING FOR 2027 DRAFT"Sure, the right is maneuvering its way through the terrain and politicizing this issue," Smith said. "It doesn’t negate the fact that the WNBA left the door open for it to happen. They have dropped the ball.
Read the full report at Fox News Latest ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- Smith tried to pin some of the political turmoil surrounding the WNBA on "the right," but his argument ultimately circled back to the league's own failures.Even as Smith accused conservatives of politicizing controversy, he argued that the WNBA created the opening by failing to establish clear rules and leadership, namely around the transgender issue increasingly confronting the league.On his eponymous YouTube show Monday, Smith put the responsibility on the league office, arguing that its lack of clear guidelines has allowed disputes over biological males competing in women's sports to consume the conversation.THE WNBA HAS LIMITED OPTIONS AFTER TWO MEN DECLARED FOR THE DRAFT, AND THOSE OPTIONS AREN'T GREAT"You’ve got to have rules and regulations," Smith said. You can’t have this."Smith then turned his attention to the right, accusing conservatives of maneuvering through the controversy for political advantage.That includes former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who have declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft in an effort to challenge the league's gender-eligibility rules.Smith's larger point: The WNBA left the door open for its political opponents to walk right through it.FORMER NBA STAR ENES KANTER FREEDOM WRITES LETTER TO WNBA OFFICIALLY DECLARING FOR 2027 DRAFT"Sure, the right is maneuvering its way through the terrain and politicizing this issue," Smith said.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 13m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Stephen A. Smith blames ‘the right’ for WNBA firestorm, says league ‘left the door open’
Sources1TypeCoverageFox News Latest