Smith defends record as Steele questions male silence on trans athletes

Former ESPN colleagues Stephen A. Smith and Sage Steele sparred on her podcast over transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Steele challenged Smith on why it took him three years to speak out, prompting Smith to clarify he addressed Lia Thomas's participation at the University of Pennsylvania from the first day on ESPN's "First Take." The pair agreed biological males should not compete against biological females but debated why prominent male athletes with financial security remain quiet.

Steele pressed Smith on male athletes in the NFL and NBA, many with daughters in sports, who avoid the topic despite risks like injuries from biological males at the volleyball net or elsewhere. Smith attributed the silence to self-interest, noting some people speak only when personally affected, while others fear politics, which he called a cesspool. Steele countered that reports show nearly 80% public agreement against transgender athletes competing with biological females and lamented women's inaction in sports media.

Smith responded that courageous voices willing to tackle such issues for others' benefit remain rare among both men and women. He recalled previously warning Steele against speaking out while at ESPN. Last week on "Real Time with Bill Maher," Smith stated biological men should not compete against biological girls in sports.