ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed his views on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports during a recent interview in New Orleans, prior to Super Bowl LIX. In a conversation with Bloomberg, Smith identified himself as a “centrist” politically but took a firm stance against transgender women competing in female sports.
He stated, “I fully support LGBTQ rights, but when it comes to transgender athletes—men transitioning to women competing in women’s sports—that’s a different issue for me. It’s not just about LGBTQ rights; it’s about the rights of biological females who are at a significant disadvantage.”
Smith’s comments coincided with former President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, a move that the NCAA subsequently adopted in its policy changes. Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for education secretary, also voiced her opposition, asserting that biological males should not compete against females in sports.
A national exit poll by the Concerned Women for America revealed that 70% of moderate voters considered Trump’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports and bathrooms to be significant, with 6% deeming it the most critical issue and 44% labeling it “very important.
