PORTLAND, Ore. — Speaking for the first time since ralliers began assembling in support of her stance against transgender participation in women’s sports, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said this was an opportunity for the WNBA to uphold its values of diversity and inclusion.Cunningham called the ralliers “bold” and “courageous” before Friday night’s game against the Portland Fire at the Moda Center, but denied having any direct association with organizers of the rallies that have sprung up at the Fever’s last two road games.“I think it’s people just practicing their rights of freedom of speech and doing what other fans have been doing since the WNBA has started, and so props to them, props to everyone who was able to be confident and be bold and courageous enough to speak their truths,” Cunningham said Friday.She added: “I think this is a great opportunity for the WNBA. You know, they preach diversity and being inclusive. So, what a great opportunity for them to actually be that.”A few dozen individuals gathered outside the arena Friday in support of Cunningham, who recently said keeping transgender athletes out of women’s sports is “common sense” after ESPN published an article in which she originally shared her views. Counterprotesters were also present. This was the second time a rally gathered before a game, following a protest ahead of a Fever game in Seattle earlier this week.