Sports Columnist Matt Calkins Resigns from The Seattle Times over Column Controversy

Sports columnist Matt Calkins recently resigned from The Seattle Times after the newspaper refused to publish his piece regarding women’s sports activists. Calkins, who worked at the paper for 11 years, explained that the decision left him unable to fulfill his role. This column was centered on two student-athletes from Washington who are against allowing transgender girls to compete in female sports. These athletes were part of a national controversy following their attendance at a Seattle Storm WNBA game supporting Sophie Cunningham’s advocacy for women’s sports.

Calkins aimed to highlight that support for sex-separated competition does not equate to hostility toward transgender individuals. Fans supported Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham by displaying signs during the game in Seattle on July 28, 2026.

Calkins shared his experience: “I tried to write a column through the eyes of two student athletes who were kind of speaking out against biological males in girls/women’s sports. I submitted the column to my editors; six days later, they decided it wouldn’t be published.”

According to Calkins, the editors stated that since he hadn’t informed them of the column in advance, they couldn’t run it. Calkins questioned this reasoning.

The columnist wanted to amplify the voices of girls opposing trans athletes in women’s sports, expressing that their perspectives often get stifled. He noted precedent, mentioning that any column he wrote against popular opinion would be scrapped.

Despite the conflict, Calkins expressed respect for his editors, acknowledging the pressure they face when making decisions on divisive topics. He clarified that he holds no personal grudges against his former colleagues.

He explained, “I couldn’t do my job as a columnist because my voice was being stifled; worry about public backlash increased the limitations on exploring opinions.”

Fox News Digital reached out to The Seattle Times for comment but received no response.

The dispute over transgender participation in sports involves larger political debates. Washington voters will soon consider Initiative IL26-638, which proposes barring students defined as biologically male from certain female-only athletic activities. It would also demand healthcare-provider verification of biological sex for participation.

Advocates suggest the measure protects fairness and safety, while opponents argue it discriminates against transgender students and imposes invasive requirements.

Calkins resigned without clear plans but aims to continue writing independently. He hopes to stay engaged in sports commentary and discussion.

After leaving the paper, Calkins published the controversial column on Substack, motivated by various incidents at the Seattle Storm game.