‘Don’t entertain that’-Royce White fires back at Montrezl Harrell over ‘corny’ WNBA insult

Royce White has hit back at Montrezl Harrell after the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year criticised White's recent WNBA campaign and described the publicity stunts as "corny and lame".

White and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom have both sought entry into the WNBA Draft as part of a campaign centred on transgender participation in women's sports. White later attended an Indiana Fever game wearing a blonde wig after his draft bid was rejected.

The move has drawn attention around the league, with Harrell now offering his own response during an interview with Scoop B.

Royce White responds after Montrezl Harrell calls WNBA stunts "corny"

Harrell, who described himself as an avid WNBA fan, said he did not support White and Freedom using the league to make their political point.

"I don't entertain that, to be honest with you. That stuff is corny and lame. I'm an actual WNBA fan… For guys like that to use their platform to disrespect it, that's corny. I'm not a fan of it at all. You don't gain any cool points off of it. You're two grown men running into arenas and public spaces making a mockery of yourselves. Who is that helping?"

Harrell also argued that those seeking to discuss the issue should do so directly rather than through public stunts.

"I know what you're trying to say about men not playing with women, but just use your words as a grown man. Don't try to berate women… I'm not a fan of it and wish it was something they wouldn't do, because it's not highlighting the message they claim to have about protecting women's sports."

White subsequently responded to Harrell in a text message, using highly inflammatory language while questioning why Harrell had not previously spoken publicly about the issue.

"This is how b****** talk… 'It's not what you're saying, it's how you're saying it.' Find a more 'politically correct' way to tell me the truth. I'm fresh out of nice ways to tell d*** ***** common sense. It's funny saying 'use your words' like this hasn't already been a discussion for a while. Why hasn't he ever spoken on it or 'used his words' since he gets it?"

White has also indicated that his legal team is preparing for a potential legal battle concerning the WNBA's gender eligibility guidelines.

The exchange adds another layer to an ongoing debate that has already drawn responses from

WNBA players and officials, with White continuing to pursue his challenge to the league.