The Stephen A. Smith Show: Stephen A's Take on Simone Biles Standing Up for Trans Athletes

Release Date: June 10, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the contentious debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, spotlighting the recent clash between Olympian Simone Biles and former NCAA swimmer turned conservative pundit Riley Gaines. The discussion navigates the complexities of gender inclusion, fairness in competition, and the broader societal implications of such high-profile disputes.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with a heated discourse initiated by Riley Gaines' lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's competitions. Gaines, representing over a dozen athletes, accused the NCAA of violating Title IX rights by allowing transgender swimmer Leah Thomas to compete in the 2022 national championships. This legal action sets the foundation for the ensuing debate on fairness and inclusivity in sports.

Simone Biles' Stance and Response to Riley Gaines

Simone Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, publicly responded to Riley Gaines' criticisms, particularly targeting the Minnesota State high school league's decision to include transgender athletes. Biles' response was vehement and personal, expressing strong disapproval of Gaines' stance.

• Notable Quote:

  "You're truly sick. All of this campaigning because you lost the race straight up sore loser." ([01:42])

Biles criticized Gaines for lacking support for the transgender community and instead choosing to undermine their participation in women's sports. She emphasized the need for inclusivity and respect, suggesting that Gaines' actions were more about personal loss than legitimate concerns about fairness.

Riley Gaines' Counterattack

In retaliation, Riley Gaines escalated the conflict by drawing parallels between Simone Biles and Larry Nassar, the disgraced former national team doctor convicted of sexually abusing multiple gymnasts, including Biles herself. Gaines accused Biles of hypocrisy, arguing that while Biles condemned abuse, she allegedly supports policies that disadvantage cisgender female athletes.

• Notable Quote:

  "Respectfully, that's going a bit too far... Using a guy like Larry Nassar... you lost all credibility." ([05:00])

• Gaines' Extended Critique:

  "All the horrific sexual abuse Simone Biles witnessed and spoke out against caused by one man, yet believes women should be forced to strip naked in front of men to validate the man's feelings. You know how many gold medals you'd have if your inclusive dream came true? 0." ([05:30])

Gaines' remarks were met with significant backlash, with commentators highlighting the unexpected and unwarranted connection between Biles' advocacy against abuse and her stance on transgender athletes.

Analyzing the Debate: Fairness vs. Inclusivity

The core of the debate centers on whether transgender women (individuals assigned male at birth who identify and compete as female) have an unfair advantage in women's sports. Commentators weigh in with varied perspectives:

• Commentator 1 Highlights:

  "If you are a male transitioning to female, that there's an unfair advantage." ([06:23])

• Commentator 2 Argues:

  "In the age that we're living in, with Title IX... allowing transgender athletes transitioning from male to female to compete against women doesn't appear to be fair." ([07:00])

The discussion underscores the tension between ensuring equal opportunities for all athletes and maintaining fair competition standards. The commentators debate the biological and competitive differences that may or may not confer advantages, questioning how sports organizations can balance these factors.

Broader Implications and Societal Reflections

The episode doesn't stop at the sports arena but expands to reflect on societal values and the evolving understanding of gender. Sage Steele, a former ESPN colleague and conservative pundit, is cited to provide an external perspective:

• Sage Steele's Statement:

  "Riley Gaines is perfectly within her right to have the opinion that she had... What about their feelings? What about theirs?" ([10:15])

This inclusion illustrates the broader societal debate on transgender rights, civil liberties, and the struggle to reconcile differing viewpoints within the framework of modern values and legal standards like Title IX.

Conclusion: Navigating a Divisive Issue

Stephen A. Smith's exploration of the Simone Biles and Riley Gaines controversy offers a nuanced look into one of sports' most divisive issues. The episode meticulously dissects personal attacks, legal battles, and the quest for fairness, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in integrating transgender athletes into women's sports.

By presenting multiple viewpoints and emphasizing the emotional and ethical dimensions of the debate, The Stephen A. Smith Show provides a balanced and thought-provoking analysis, encouraging listeners to reflect on the delicate balance between inclusion and competitive integrity.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "You're truly sick. All of this campaigning because you lost the race straight up sore loser." – Simone Biles ([01:42])

• "Respectfully, that's going a bit too far... Using a guy like Larry Nassar... you lost all credibility." – Commentator 1 ([05:00])

• "If you are a male transitioning to female, that there's an unfair advantage." – Commentator 1 ([06:23])

• "Riley Gaines is perfectly within her right to have the opinion that she had..." – Sage Steele ([10:15])

This episode serves as an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, gender identity, and societal values, offering deep insights into a highly relevant and emotionally charged topic.