Former ESPN colleagues Stephen A. Smith and Sage Steele revisited a heated topic on Steele’s podcast: transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Steele questioned Smith’s delay in speaking out, to which he responded that he addressed Lia Thomas’s participation at UPenn from the start. Both now agree-men with platforms are staying quiet.
Steele pressed Smith on why powerful male figures avoid the issue despite having financial security and daughters involved in athletics. Smith emphasized personal responsibility and courage in using one’s platform.
Smith recently reiterated on “Real Time with Bill Maher” that biological men should not compete against girls in sports. Steele believes vocal support from media figures could have changed outcomes.