Seattle Times Columnist Resigns After Article Rejection

The Seattle Times recently witnessed the departure of sports columnist Matt Calkins. His resignation followed disagreements over the non-publication of a piece he wrote about women’s sports activists. Calkins had been with the Seattle Times for 11 years. He stated that the decision not to publish his column made him feel unable to fulfill his role.

Calkins’s column focused on two student-athletes from Washington. They oppose allowing transgender girls to compete in female sports. This topic gained national attention when they attended a Seattle Storm WNBA game. They aimed to support Sophie Cunningham’s stance on safeguarding women’s sports. Calkins argued that advocating for sex-separated sports does not equate to hostility towards transgender individuals.

Fans held signs for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during a game between the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on July 28, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Calkins shared with Fox News Digital his experience submitting the column. According to him, six days passed with assurances that editors were reviewing it, only to result in its rejection.

The given reason for non-publication was that Calkins had not informed them about the column in advance. Calkins expressed skepticism about this explanation. He emphasized his intent to highlight the voices of girls opposing transgender participation in women’s sports. He believed these perspectives often go unheard in mainstream media.

Calkins observed a trend where his columns that diverged from mainstream views often faced rejection. Despite this, he voiced respect for his editors, acknowledging the challenges they face in handling contentious topics. Calkins felt constrained by potential public backlash limiting the diversity of opinions he could express.

The Seattle Times has yet to respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding the issue.

Calkins’s resignation comes amid ongoing debates around the participation of transgender athletes. A significant event was a rally on July 28 supporting Sophie Cunningham, who opposes transgender women’s participation in women’s sports. During the event, Calkins spoke with Ahnaleigh Wilson, a high school runner, and Frances Staudt, a basketball player from Tumwater High School. Both had experiences or stances related to competing against transgender athletes.

A reported incident involved Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton confronting Wilson, leading to consequences for Keaton. The WNBA issued an apology and fined Keaton, prohibiting her attendance at five home games.

The backdrop to Calkins’s column includes Washington’s upcoming vote on Initiative IL26-638. This measure, affecting school sports, aims to restrict competition based on biological sex, verified by healthcare providers. Supporters view it as safeguarding fairness, while critics argue it discriminates against transgender students and imposes invasive requirements.

Following his resignation, Calkins shared his intent to pursue independent writing, with no immediate professional plans. He expressed a strong desire to continue writing, especially on sports and personal views. His work, recognized in various media and government contexts, reflects his focus on significant issues in sports.