Jennifer Cey has criticized both the ACLU and Megan Rapinoe after they released a video supporting transgender athletes as part of their “More Than A Game” campaign. Upon watching the video, Cey expressed that she felt “very angry.” Cey, a national champion in gymnastics, is involved with XX-XY Athletics, a brand that champions women’s sports.
The ACLU’s video emphasizes their support for transgender youth and families, advocating their right to “be themselves.” Featured in the video are notable athletes like Rapinoe, former WNBA star Sue Bird, and Brianna Turner, with the message that backing transgender youth transcends mere sports—it touches on freedom.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Cey voiced her strong opinions. “Sports aren’t like that,” she said. “They’re about competition, not inclusivity. Not everyone makes the team.” She continued, arguing that sports are meant for striving to improve and dealing with setbacks, stressing, “It’s not free. There are rules in sports. What these people are saying is perplexing.”
This discussion arises as the Supreme Court evaluates a new case focused on the rights of female athletes. Alongside the ACLU’s advocacy for trans athletes, Becky Pepper Jackson, a track and field athlete who faced suspension after her state prohibited trans girls from competing, features prominently in their campaign. Since third grade, she has identified as female and has been undergoing treatment to block puberty.
Last year, Pepper Jackson managed to qualify for her state’s high school track championships, achieving notable placements despite the ongoing legal challenges surrounding her participation. While referred to as BPJ in court documents, her publicly recognized name remains Becky.
Cey argued that including biological males in women’s sports jeopardizes fairness. She remarked that “male superiority is more significant than performance-enhancing drugs” and suggested that Rapinoe, being among the most competitive athletes, would desire a level playing field.
Cey’s frustration extends to the ACLU campaign, which she feels misrepresents the competitive spirit of sports. “If you want self-expression, go join a talent show. Sports are about competition, and this advertisement misses that point,” she said.
She asserted the need for advocacy against these perspectives, emphasizing, “We must reclaim our culture. It’s not right to ask girls to erase their identities while smiling.” Cey also expressed concerns over perceived efforts to marginalize female athletes, stating that accepting such realities is unacceptable.
Reflecting on her own rigorous journey as an athlete, Cey emphasized the sacrifices necessary to excel, having trained intensely for years, often at the expense of social engagements. “I did it for the love of the sport and the pride it brings,” she noted.
Cey concluded by reinforcing that “all girls deserve an equal chance in competition.” Currently, the Supreme Court is deliberating cases concerning this issue, with decisions anticipated by early summer. Neither the ACLU nor Rapinoe provided comments at this time.
