Smith, Steele Clash on Male Silence in Trans Sports Debate
Stephen A. Smith and former ESPN colleague Sage Steele debated transgender athletes in women's sports on her podcast. Steele questioned why it took Smith three years to speak out, but he countered that he addressed Lia Thomas's participation at UPenn from the first day on ESPN's "First Take." The pair agreed biological males should not compete against biological females but pressed why prominent male athletes remain quiet.
The exchange highlighted tensions within sports media over the issue. Steele, who left ESPN, recalled Smith warning her against speaking out while both worked there. Smith attributed silence among wealthy male athletes to self-interest, stating some only care when it affects them directly and that politics form a "cesspool."
Polls have reported nearly 80% public opposition to transgender athletes competing against biological females. Smith recently reiterated on "Real Time with Bill Maher" that biological men should not compete against biological girls.
Steele argued more sportscasters standing up early could have shifted the debate, while Smith noted both men and women have largely stayed silent. Both emphasized protecting female athletes from potential injuries against biological males.
