Megan Rapinoe criticizes Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White's WNBA draft claims
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 30, 2026, 11:50 PM
Last updated Oct 30, 2026
Megan Rapinoe has publicly condemned Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White for declaring their intention to enter the WNBA Draft and identifying as women in protest against trans inclusion. During a recent podcast, Rapinoe labeled their actions as 'grifting' and an 'embarrassment,' stating that they seem to have 'nothing better to do.' Kanter Freedom and White's provocative stunt, aimed at influencing league policy on participation, has drawn criticism from within the basketball community, with league sources dismissing it as a mere publicity attempt. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert reiterated that participation is restricted to women. Rapinoe remains a staunch advocate for trans athletes and has expressed hope for their representation in elite sports.
- •Megan Rapinoe criticizes Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White on a podcast.
- •Kanter Freedom and White announced plans to enter the WNBA Draft as part of a protest.
- •WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated only women are eligible to play.
- •A league source called the players' actions publicity stunts.
- •Rapinoe continues to advocate for trans athletes' rights.
- 11:50 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Nothing better to do’: Megan Rapinoe rips ‘grifting’ Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White
"Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White made headlines this year by declaring for the WNBA Draft and claiming to identify as women in an effort to protest trans inclusion. And Megan Rapinoe isn’t impressed. The retired soccer star, who has long been an outspoken advocate for trans athletes, dismissed the pair’s stunt…
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