Sophie Cunningham gets support from GOP senator after backlash over transgender sports comments

Indiana Fever basketball star Sophie Cunningham boldly reiterates her stance on protecting girls' sports, emphasizing that it's "common sense" to protect young children. The White House also weighed in, defending Cunningham's comments.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham received support Friday from Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., after the WNBA player doubled down this week on her comments that it is "common sense" to keep biological males out of women's sports.

In a statement released Friday, Graham thanked Cunningham for speaking publicly on the issue.

"I want to thank Sophie Cunningham for speaking out and make it clear that I could not agree more," Graham said.

WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AFTER SHE SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTS

Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

"What she said took a lot of guts. It's sad but true that in today's world, and particularly on this issue, common sense is not common."

Graham, who described herself as a "volleyball mom," said she knows "how dangerous it is to have boys playing in girls' sports" after years of traveling with her daughter's team throughout South Carolina and the Southeast.

She also referenced a North Carolina high school volleyball player who was seriously injured after being struck by a hit from a transgender athlete.

US MASTERS SWIMMING COMPETITOR SAYS HER GRIEVANCE FOR TRANS ATHLETE COMMENTS HAS BEEN RESOLVED

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, R-S.C., participates in a ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on July 14 in Washington, DC. (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

"As a mother,