Matt Calkins resigns from Seattle Times after scrapped trans athlete column
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 8:30 AM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Matt Calkins, a columnist for The Seattle Times, has resigned following the paper's decision to scrap his article about trans athletes in women's sports. Calkins stated that the decision was not his own and highlighted that the scrapped article included perspectives from two female student athletes opposed to competing against biological males. His resignation, prompted by multiple scrapped pieces, has drawn widespread attention and criticism from various commentators and members of the sports community. The controversy surrounding Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham's earlier comments on trans athletes has reignited discussions on the subject, which continue to dominate conversations among WNBA players and coaches.
- •Matt Calkins resigns after The Seattle Times scraps his trans athletes column.
- •Calkins cites inability to fulfill his role due to multiple articles being spiked.
- •Controversy stems from comments by Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham on trans athletes.
- •The situation has prompted backlash and commentary from various sports figures.
- •Debate over trans athletes in women's sports continues to engage WNBA players and coaches.
- 8:30 AMYahoo Sports — Seattle Times ‘excuse’ revealed for spiking writer’s Sophie Cunningham trans column
- 9:03 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Horrendous Look’ – WNBA World Rips The Seattle Times As Columnist Resigns After Sophie Cunningham Trans Column Gets Scrapped
"Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham created a media firestorm with her comments several weeks back regarding trans athletes taking part in women’s sports. Now, people from all corners of the sports and political news worlds are chiming in with their own takes.
"The controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham and transgender athletes is heightening. Of course, Sophie Cunningham meant no harm with her comments about how transgender athletes shouldn’t be in the WNBA, but it’s caused absolute carnage.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 8:30 AMSeattle Times ‘excuse’ revealed for spiking writer’s Sophie Cunningham trans column
The controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham and transgender athletes is heightening. Of course, Sophie Cunningham meant no harm with her comments about how transgender athletes shouldn’t be in the WNBA, but it’s caused absolute carnage.
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 9:03 PM‘Horrendous Look’ – WNBA World Rips The Seattle Times As Columnist Resigns After Sophie Cunningham Trans Column Gets Scrapped
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham created a media firestorm with her comments several weeks back regarding trans athletes taking part in women’s sports. Now, people from all corners of the sports and political news worlds are chiming in with their own takes.
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