Sage Steele Roasts Toronto Tempo’s Non-Binary Mascot

Her viral post has intensified debate over transgender inclusion as the team defends the characters as part of its Canadian branding.

Overview

The Tempo introduced two mascots on Tuesday, Aug. 18: Dez, a Borealis blue snapping turtle who uses she/they pronouns and is described as non-binary, and Dot, an arctic hare who uses she/her pronouns.
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele posted on X calling Dez “laughable” and saying the mascot was a “desperate attempt” at inclusivity, a remark that tied the reveal to recent comments by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham.
Toronto Tempo chief marketing officer Whitney Bell said the mascots were created to “feel distinctly Tempo” and to reflect the team’s Canadian identity and fan engagement, not to answer any player statements.
The mascots debuted during the Tempo’s Aug. 18 home game against the Indiana Fever, which the Tempo lost 101-95 and in which Sophie Cunningham played 28 minutes and scored 13 points.
The episode has sharpened public division over trans inclusion in the WNBA even as the league’s eligibility rule limiting play to “women” remains unchanged and several players and coaches have publicly voiced support for transgender people.