Riley Gaines suggested on Monday in a radio interview that she was stunned by the public’s response to Simone Biles’ personal attack against her. The Olympic great launched into Gaines with a post responding to the former NCAA swimmer criticizing Minnesota softball officials for turning comments off of a post celebrating a high school’s state championship win with a transgender player on the team. Biles called Gaines “truly sick” among other things. But the social media reaction didn’t appear to get behind the gold medalist.
“To acknowledge how the public has shifted to this, look at Simone Biles’ comments section, go on Instagram, go on Twitter, go on any article that’s being posted, go on TikTok and she is getting absolutely demolished to the point where I almost feel bad for her, like I really do,” Gaines said on “Clay & Buck.”
“I have read these comments, I’m like, ‘oh my gosh.’ I was prepared when I got that notification on my phone for that onslaught of hatred to come towards me. I was like, ‘Oh gosh, she’s gonna send all of her little minion people who follow her over to my page.’ That is not at all what is happening. I haven’t heard a single negative comment about myself following this interaction.” Gaines pointed out the recent spate of transgender athletes winning championships in girls’ sports across the country.
“Minnesota, California, Washington, Oregon and Maine, where boys stole state qualifying spots, state championships or podium spots from deserving, hard-working girls,” the OutKick contributor added. “So, the whole ‘it doesn’t really happen’ argument, it can’t stand at all when it continues to happen.
“But that’s the classic progression. It never really happened — that was step one. Then it slowly shifts to, ‘OK, well, it is happening, but it’s not happening a lot, therefore we shouldn’t be concerned.’ Then it progresses to, ‘OK, well, it’s happening, and here’s why it’s a good thing.’ And then the final stage of it is, ‘it’s happening, it’s a good thing, and you’re going to accept it — or else.”
In a world where social media amplifies every word, two sports icons, Riley Gaines and Simone Biles, have found themselves at the center of a heated debate. What started as a disagreement over transgender athletes in women’s sports has escalated into a public feud, drawing attention from fans, media, and fellow athletes alike.
The Spark: A Minnesota Softball Championship
The controversy ignited when Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and vocal advocate for the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports, criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for featuring a transgender pitcher. Gaines referred to the player as a “boy,” a remark that quickly garnered backlash.
Simone Biles’ Response: ‘Truly Sick’
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles did not hold back in her response. She labeled Gaines as a “truly sick” bully and accused her of promoting exclusion rather than inclusivity in athletics. Biles advocated for creating a safe and inclusive environment for transgender athletes, suggesting the establishment of a dedicated category for them in sports.
Riley Gaines’ Retort: ‘Almost Feel Bad for Her’
Not one to shy away from confrontation, Riley Gaines fired back. In a recent episode of her podcast, “Gaines for Girls,” she expressed sympathy for Biles, stating, “I almost feel bad for her.” Gaines argued that Biles’ stance undermines equal opportunity in women’s sports and could compromise hard-won achievements.
The Public’s Reaction: Divided Opinions
The public’s reaction to this feud has been mixed. Supporters of Gaines praise her for standing up for fairness in women’s sports, while Biles’ fans commend her for advocating for inclusivity and the rights of transgender athletes. The debate has sparked broader discussions about the balance between inclusion and fairness in sports.
Danica Patrick Weighs In
Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has voiced her support for Riley Gaines in this ongoing public debate. Patrick criticized the defense of transgender women competing in female sports, calling it part of a “woke mind virus” and praised Gaines for speaking out. She emphasized the need for common sense and referred to the issue as irrational, asserting her belief that it will eventually resolve appropriately.
The Bigger Picture: Transgender Athletes in Sports
This feud highlights the broader issue of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. Advocates for transgender inclusion argue that sports should be accessible to all, regardless of gender identity. Opponents, like Gaines, believe that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports creates an unfair advantage and undermines the integrity of female athletics.
Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold?
As this debate continues to unfold, the sports community remains divided. The question of how to balance inclusivity with fairness in women’s sports is one that will require thoughtful discussion and consideration. Both Riley Gaines and Simone Biles have used their platforms to voice their opinions, and their feud has brought much-needed attention to this complex issue.
Conclusion
The public’s reaction to Simone Biles’ personal attack on Riley Gaines has been a mix of support and criticism. While some commend Biles for standing up for transgender athletes, others believe that her comments were out of line. As this debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding gender and fairness in sports.
