Sue Bird is considered one of the most successful players in women’s basketball, having achieved numerous accolades including five Olympic gold medals. After her retirement in 2022 following her time with the Seattle Storms, the franchise honored her by retiring her jersey. During the ceremony, her partner, who is also a prominent soccer star, spoke a few words to commemorate Bird. Regrettably, however, fans did not take the gesture particularly well.

Bird, the four-time WNBA Champion and the all-time leader in assists in the WNBA, understandably deserved the honor of having her jersey (Number 10) retired by Seattle. It appears, however, that many were unhappy during this significant occasion.

Sue Bird gets her jersey retired

During the event, Bird’s partner, Megan Rapinoe, who won the FIFA World Cup in 2015 and 2019, showcased her support for the former player. Rapinoe and Bird met at the Olympics in 2016 and eventually started dating. While doing press for NBC at the 2016 Summer Olympics, the soccer star and the basketball icon happened to cross paths. At the ceremony, the OL Reign star delivered a brief speech for her partner.

Rapinoe expressed profound admiration for Bird, making significant claims that were met with disagreement from the basketball community. Unfortunately, the occasion, which should have been joyous, was marred by harsh criticism from fans, leading to a disheartening outcome.

Basketball fans react to the massive claims made by Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe made a bold statement in her speech, proclaiming that Sue Bird had the most exceptional career in the history of any sport. Many fans, however, voiced their disagreement, arguing that there were numerous other athletes who had achieved greater success than the WNBA legend. Here are some of the reactions from the fans expressing their differing opinions.

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The basketball community swiftly countered Rapinoe’s claim, asserting that she was mistaken and that there were numerous athletes who had far superior careers. They specifically mentioned basketball legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, emphasizing their exceptional achievements. Additionally, one fan criticized Rapinoe, suggesting that her own misguided statements had invited public scrutiny and ridicule.

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While some fans echoed Megan Rapinoe’s sentiment and highlighted Sue Bird’s extensive list of accomplishments in the sport, another fan brought up the name of her arch-rival, Candace Parker. The overall response to Rapinoe’s words, however, was harsh criticism, as many people disagreed with her claim. It was unfortunate to witness Sue Bird facing online backlash on what should have been a celebratory occasion for her.

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