Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Clash on Social Media

Simone Biles found herself unexpectedly in a social media dispute with OutKick host Riley Gaines on Friday. The argument escalated when Gaines criticized the Minnesota high school softball team, which celebrated its state championship with a transgender pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger, who threw a shutout to secure the win for Champlin Park High School.

Gaines, who hosts the podcast “Gaines for Girls,” pointed out that comments were disabled on the Minnesota State High School League’s post about the team. She said, “You’re expected when your star player is a boy.”

Biles didn’t hold back in her response, labeling Gaines as “really sick” for her remarks and urging her to be more supportive of transgender athletes. Gaines shot back with social media videos saying, “Yesterday, Simone Biles – Olympic gymnast, the best, no bar. No one in her league is even remote.” She continued by stating that it wasn’t her responsibility to validate anyone’s identity.

Biles took issue with Gaines’ stances, particularly highlighting the narrative that seems to stem from individuals who are upset about losing races to transgender athletes. “It’s all about this campaign because you lost the race,” Biles wrote. She expressed that sports should strive for inclusivity, suggesting the creation of safer spaces for transgender individuals.

Gaines, in her defense, tackled points about her physique and even mentioned her own physical attributes, arguing that she has faced scrutiny for being muscular. She acknowledged Biles’ strong points regarding survivor abuse yet pointed out what she views as contradictions in Biles’ position. “This is a woman who witnessed the horrific sexual abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar, and yet believes that a vulnerable woman should be forced to share a locker room with a man,” Gaines remarked.

Interestingly, research indicates that a significant proportion of the population—nearly 80%—agrees that biological men should not compete in women’s sports.