Former NFL kicker Jay Feely, who is running for Congress in Arizona, has joined the growing public debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a recent post on X, Feely criticized Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for her social media comments attacking Riley Gaines, the host of the OutKick podcast, over the issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Feely’s remarks have reignited a national conversation about the boundaries of gender identity in competitive athletics.
Feely’s post responded to Biles’ controversial remarks, in which she accused Gaines of being a “sore loser” for criticizing the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. “@Simone_Biles argument is the antithesis of Title 9 and equal opportunity it’s provided for women,” Feely wrote. “It puts girls in dangerous, compromising situations so a man pretending to be a woman can feel better about themselves.” His comments have drawn attention for reflecting a conservative stance on the issue, aligning with the political ideology of his congressional campaign.
Riley Gaines, a prominent advocate for women’s sports and a former ESPN commentator, has been a vocal proponent of keeping sports divided by gender. She recently addressed the controversy after a transgender pitcher competed in the Minnesota state softball championship. In her response to Biles’ attack, Gaines criticized Biles for what she called a “sore loser” attitude and accused her of undermining the dreams of young athletes. “Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams? Didn’t have that on my bingo card,” Gaines wrote in a social media post.
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a politically charged issue, with athletes, activists, and politicians weighing in on both sides. Feely’s comments, which have drawn both support and criticism, highlight the broader ideological divide in the United States. His congressional campaign in Arizona, a state known for its conservative leanings, has added a new layer to the discussion, as he aims to represent the 5th Congressional District, which currently includes Rep. Andy Biggs, a prominent figure in the conservative movement.
Biles, who won multiple Olympic medals, has been embroiled in a public feud with Gaines over the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a social media post, Biles criticized Gaines for what she called “bullying” the trans community, arguing that the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports is a matter of fairness and safety. Her comments have sparked a wave of backlash, with many athletes, fans, and activists condemning her for what they see as a failure to support inclusivity and equality in sports.
The issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports remains a polarizing topic, with arguments centered on gender identity, safety, and the integrity of athletic competition. As the debate continues, with figures such as Feely and Biles taking strong positions, the broader implications for sports, policy, and public discourse are likely to grow.