Simone Biles slammed after ‘disrespectful’ comment about transgender athletes
Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles has sparked intense debate after confronting former swimmer and conservative campaigner Riley Gaines in a sharp exchange on X.
The conflict began with what should have been a happy moment. The Minnesota State High School League shared a congratulatory image of Champlin Park's softball team following their Class AAAA State Championship victory.
However, instead of congratulations, the post triggered controversy—eventually leading to a full social media battle between two athletic celebrities.
Riley Gaines Ignites Controversy
Ex-NCAA swimmer and OutKick host Riley Gaines consistently speaks out against transgender athletes—and has now created another stir.
Last Friday, when the Minnesota State High School League posted a celebration photo of Champlin Park's softball team after their Class AAAA State Championship triumph, Gaines—a known opponent of trans participation in women's sports—caused uproar with her remark:
"Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy."
Her comment quickly caused outrage. Critics said she was insulting the team and targeting a transgender athlete, although no specific player was named in the post.
Simone Biles Responds Forcefully
Simone Biles refused to stay silent. The highly decorated gymnast quote-tweeted Gaines, stating:
"@Riley_Gaines_ You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser."
Biles continued her response, claiming Gaines harasses transgender athletes rather than promoting inclusion. "If you really cared, you'd be working on creating safe and fair categories," Biles wrote. "Instead, you're just making it worse for everyone."
Public Reaction Divides Sharply
Biles' strong statement immediately split public opinion.
Fans praised her stance:
"This is real leadership. Thank you for standing up Simone and everyone else supporting her," wrote one supporter.
Another fan commented, "I did not know it was humanly possible to respect someone more than I already respected you, you are just truly a class act! 100% of the time The Goat of Goats!"
But criticism came just as quickly.
"Wow, this response is truly unbelievable and completely disappointing to read. [...] Simone called Riley a bully but the words you've chosen, as an Olympian & role model, are disrespectful to her & rude," one person stated.
Another critic added, "Disappointed to see this. But how easy it is to salt the earth behind you as you exit the sport and ensure future women won't be able to achieve what you did."
Some reactions were more direct in their disappointment. One user wrote, "And just like that, you are no longer a role model for little girls," while another remarked, "Sad what has become of you Simone. Very sad…."
Gaines Delivers Strong Rebuttal
Always ready to defend her position, Gaines shared a detailed response on Instagram. She blamed Biles for "body shaming" and "taking things to a personal level," specifically mentioning a since-removed tweet where Biles allegedly stated:
"Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines."
Gaines highlighted what she considered double standards, noting that Biles had previously experienced body shaming for her athletic build—yet was now using someone else's physical appearance as a criticism.
Underlying Value Conflict
This exchange reflects more than isolated social media posts—it represents a growing nationwide argument about transgender athletes participating in women's sports.
Gaines, who earned All-American honors twelve times and completed her education at the University of Kentucky, has emerged as a prominent advocate for what she describes as "fairness and safety" in women's sports competitions. Her advocacy intensified in 2022 following her tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the NCAA Championships—an experience she claims "revealed the truth" about current inclusion policies.
Since that event, Gaines has given testimony before Congress, collaborated with legal advocacy organizations, and regularly participated in Title IX discussions. Her supporters view her as protecting women's rights, while critics consider her exclusionary.
Former NFL Player Criticizes Biles
Simone Biles has typically avoided political controversies—until this incident. Her choice to engage in this debate has surprised many fans, particularly those who respected her as an apolitical role model. To others, however, this represents true leadership: utilizing her influence to support vulnerable communities.
Various celebrities have now joined the heated discussion between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines—with not everyone supporting the Olympic gymnast.
Ex-NFL kicker and politician Jay Feely escalated the situation by suggesting Biles would have won no Olympic medals if competing against transgender gymnasts. He further claimed her position on transgender inclusion in women's sports places "biological females in dangerous and compromising situations."
Former NASCAR competitor Danica Patrick also expressed support for Gaines. Commenting on social media, she implied Biles had been misguided, saying the gymnast had been "red pilled," a phrase typically indicating someone who has received distorted or misleading information.
Patrick spoke bluntly: "This issue has a shelf life. I truly believe common sense will prevail. But until then, I am grateful for people like Riley Gaines who are making sure no one gets away with it," she posted on Instagram.
"Not to mention the fact that she actually lived it. Defending men in women's sports is the woke mind virus and/or another issue that requires therapy. Either way, it is so irrational."
Irrespective of your position on this matter, one fact stands evident — this represents more than a simple online disagreement. It mirrors a broader, deeply personal conflict concerning identity, equality, and sports' direction in coming years.
With influential figures like Biles and Gaines directly opposing each other, this discussion will continue to remain prominent in public discourse.
