NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
USA TODAY, Nancy Armor columnist, was confronted with a backlash during the weekend for a column defending Simone Biles after the personal social media attack on the Olympic gold medal against Riley Gaines.
Armor painted biles as champion of the transgender community while the American gymnast called “tyrant” sheaths for its fight to protect female and girls sports. The columnist also said: “There is no scientific evidence that transgender female athletes have a physical advantage over the women’s female athletes” while hitting sheaths.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover on Foxnews.com
Riley Gaines and Simone Biles (Imagn)
There was no mention of what most Americans feel the transgender athletes who participate in the sports of girls and women. An AP-Noc survey has revealed that seven out of 10 American adults think that transgender athletes should be prohibited from the sports of girls and women.
However, Armor implores readers to be more like biles than in sheaths.
The backlash towards the column was strong. Sheaths was one of those who reacted.
Controversial boxer Imane Khelif jumping the competition after the new compulsory sex tests of world boxing
Biles continued after sheaths while the host of the Podcast Outkick reacted to a transgender launcher in competition at the Minnesota State softball championship.
Sports columnist USA TODAY NANCY ARMOR smiles after an interview at a Draft WNBA watch party in Studio IX in Brooklyn, New York, April 14, 2025. (Lucas Boland-USA today)
“@Riley_gaines_ you are really sick, all this campaign because you have lost a race. Straight up loser”, wrote Biles on X. “You should build the trans community and perhaps find a way to make the sport inclusive or create a new avenue where the trans feel safe in sport. Perhaps a transgender category in all sports !!
“But instead … you intimidate them … One thing for sure is only anyone in sport is safe with you !!!!!”
Gaines responded to the bile attack.
“It’s so disappointing. My point of view is the least controversial vision of the planet,” said Gaines in response to Biles post. “Simone Biles being a man-spat at the expense of the dreams of young girls? I didn’t have that on my bingo card.
Riley Gaines speaks to the Greenville Convention Center on Friday June 2, 2023. (McKenzie Lange / Staff / USA Today Network)
“Maybe she could compete in Pommel Horse and Rings in 2028.”
