Former NFL Player Jack Brewer Criticizes WNBA Coach's "Trans Kids Belong" Shirt and League's Stance

Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer recently weighed in on cultural discussions unfolding in his home state, particularly concerning women's sports.

Before a WNBA matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, activists gathered outside the Target Center for the third rally supporting Sophie Cunningham's advocacy for safeguarding women's athletic competitions. This event saw women's rights proponents engaging with counter-protesters advocating for transgender rights.

During the game, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was observed wearing a shirt emblazoned with the phrase "trans kids belong."

Brewer Criticizes Coach's Stance

Brewer expressed strong disapproval of Coach Reeve's choice of attire and its message.

This coach is promoting the idea that children who should be receiving psychiatric treatment... should instead be affirmed. It is disgusting and sad. These people are sick and need help. We should be praying for them and finding treatment for them. Instead, people like this coach in Minnesota are promoting these types of atrocities. It is a terrible thing.

The issue resonated deeply with Brewer on a personal level, especially as a father and an individual with long-standing connections to Minnesota.

As a father and someone whose family is deeply connected to Minnesota sports, I have an eight-year-old daughter who plays highly competitive tennis and competitive soccer. She also plays and trains in Minnesota. We go to Minnesota during the summers. Her cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles are there. My nieces and nephews are there. I went to school in Minnesota, my family lives there, and my cousins coach various sports there. I am involved in sports in that state. It is embarrassing.

Brewer, who launched his NFL career with the Vikings in 2002 after playing college football at the University of Minnesota from 1998 to 2001, emphasized his family's deep roots in the state's athletic community.

Broader Controversies in the WNBA

Reeve's actions were not isolated, as several other WNBA figures faced scrutiny regarding their positions on women's sports recently.

• Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase
• Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White
• Portland Fire coach Alex Sarama

All three coaches reportedly avoided explicitly endorsing the protection of women's sports during pre-game press conferences over the past weekend.

Separately, Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton incurred a suspension and fine following allegations that she verbally accosted two young fans seated courtside. The fans were reportedly celebrating Sophie Cunningham's advocacy for women's sports, which allegedly prompted Keaton's reaction.

Brewer also offered counsel to other leaders within the WNBA regarding their approach to these issues.

My advice to other coaches, owners and teams is to speak the truth. Every coach who loves God, loves this country and wants to protect women needs to speak out against coaches who are that ignorant. You should not be able to promote something like that without being held accountable. You should be held accountable for your actions.

Critique of WNBA's Handling of Caitlin Clark

Beyond the discussions around transgender athletes, Brewer also directed criticism at the WNBA for what he perceives as its inadequate support for star player Caitlin Clark.

They cannot stand up for the white girl, even though the white girl sells more jerseys than the other players in the league. They cannot admit that the white girl is worth protecting. Caitlin Clark should be the face of the WNBA. She should be to the WNBA what Michael Jordan was to the NBA. Caitlin Clark is the reason people watch the WNBA. Her image should become the logo of the WNBA because she is the reason the league has become popular.

Brewer recounted his observations of the league's early days, noting the sparse attendance at games.

I remember watching the WNBA in its early stages. There was hardly anybody in the crowd, and they had to let people attend for free. Now stadiums are half-full and, in some cases, nearly sold out.

He attributed the league's alleged reluctance to fully embrace Clark to an ideological perspective.

It is sad that the league will not fully support its star player because she does not fit the race-and-gender ideology they want to portray through victimhood. She is not a victim, so she does not fit their victimhood mentality. That is why she gets no love from the teams of the WNBA. It is terrible.

Support for Clark and Cunningham

Brewer publicly endorsed both Clark and Cunningham, expressing his hope that the WNBA and its fanbase would unite in their support.

Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA cannot be denied. Caitlin Clark is the Jerry West of the WNBA. They need to make her the logo and emblem of the league, whether they want to agree with it or not. She has defined the game. There will be greater players than Caitlin Clark, just as there have been greater players than Jerry West. But Caitlin Clark, like Jerry West, made the sport popular at this particular time and juncture. They need to give this girl her flowers while she is doing it.

He linked Cunningham's popularity to her advocacy for Clark and women's sports.

That is also why Sophie Cunningham is so popular. She is standing up for herself and standing up for Caitlin Clark. I love her for that, and I have her back. I do not care what Black girls, Black men or anyone else has to say. I am a Sophie Cunningham fan. I do not agree with everything about her, and I think she can be too provocative and show her body too much, but I still pray for her. I like that she stands up for herself, and I like that she has Caitlin Clark’s back, because so do I.