Matt Barnes Shares He’s Against Transgender Women Playing In The WNBA: It’s A Line That Shouldn’t Be Crossed

“If you’re born a woman, you should play women’s sports. If you’re born a man, you should play men’s sports. I think the sports thing is a little different.”

Matt Barnes then mentioned Lia Thomas, a transgender NCAA swimming champion. Her accomplishments were questioned and criticized by many people who believed her victory was the result of an unfair advantage because she was born a man and only began hormone therapy in 2019.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Barnes, who said that

“it’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed.”

Lia Thomas

The comments on trans athletes are just the latest from Barnes that may land him at the center of controversy. During a previous interview with Vlad, Barnes said suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka may never return to his role again. While Barnes initially defended Ime Udoka, he later said,

“Like I heard, it’s not about what he did, I guess it’s about who he did it with.” 

He added,

“Boston will figure out a way, but you know if everything comes out he’ll be lucky if he coaches in the NBA again to be honest with you. … I think it’s pretty heavy, man. It’s just some stuff you can’t do… Not judging, to each his own I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but if everything comes out it could get extra hot in the kitchen for him, yeah.”

Matt Barnes, Ime Udoka

Before announcing his retirement in 2017, Barnes spent 14 seasons in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies selected him in the second round of the NBA Draft in 2002. He played for nine different organizations before going on to win an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in his last season with the league.