Lynx guard Clarendon a finalist for 2021 Sports Humanitarian Award
Minnesota Lynx's Layshia Clarendon (7) is defended by Chicago Sky's Dana Evans (11) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Minneapolis. Chicago won 105-89.[AP Photo/Stacy Bengs]
Minnesota Lynx guard Layshia Clarendon has been named a finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, ESPN announced Thursday.
The award is given to an athlete who’s made a continuous, positive impact on their community through sports and leadership. Candidates must also embrace the core principles Ali embodied, including confidence, conviction, dedication and respect.
Winners can donate a $100,000 grant from ESPN to a charity of their choice, and all finalists get $25,000 to donate to a charity.
Clarendon is the first openly transgender and nonbinary athlete to compete in the WNBA. As the vice president of the WNBAPA and a founding member of the league’s Social Justice Council, Clarendon has been active in community conversations, advocacy and education on topics surrounding social justice and discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity in sports.
Other finalists for the award include Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and WWE global ambassador Titus O’Neil.
Lynx guard Crystal Dangerfield was also nominated for an ESPY as the best breakthrough athlete.
Winners will be announced on July 10.