ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Speaks Out Against Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

Commentator says biological males should not compete against biological females, cites Lia Thomas case as example

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:44pm

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ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith made strong comments against transgender athletes competing in women's sports, telling Bill Maher's audience that 'biological men should not be competing against biological girls in sports, period.' Smith cited the case of former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas as an example, saying 'Lia Thomas, for example, was a male, and he was ranked over 400th in the world. … And then he became a she. … And No. 1. Well … does it really take an Einstein to realize that there's something wrong with that picture?'

Why it matters

The debate over transgender athletes in women's sports has become a major political and cultural flashpoint, with critics arguing it's unfair for biological males to compete against biological females. Smith's comments reflect a growing sentiment among some sports figures and fans that current policies need to be re-evaluated to protect the integrity of women's athletics.

The details

During an appearance on 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' Smith told the host that 'biological men should not be competing against biological girls in sports, period.' He pointed to the case of former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas, who transitioned from male to female and went from being ranked over 400th in the world to becoming the No. 1 ranked swimmer in the NCAA women's division. Smith argued this showed an inherent unfairness in allowing transgender athletes to compete against cisgender women.

  • On March 27, 2026, Stephen A. Smith made the comments during an appearance on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'.
  • In February 2025, Smith previously expressed support for LGBTQ rights but said he views transgender athletes in women's sports as a separate issue, calling it 'prying on the rights of females'.
  • In early 2025, former President Donald Trump signed the 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports' executive order, which required federal agencies to apply Title IX according to an athlete's sex assigned at birth.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN commentator who has been outspoken in his opposition to transgender athletes competing in women's sports, citing concerns about fairness and the integrity of women's athletics.

Bill Maher

The host of the political talk show 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' where Smith made his recent comments.

Lia Thomas

A former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who transitioned from male to female and went from being ranked over 400th in the world to becoming the No. 1 ranked swimmer in the NCAA women's division, which Smith cited as an example of the unfairness of transgender athletes competing against cisgender women.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who signed the 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports' executive order in early 2025, which required federal agencies to apply Title IX according to an athlete's sex assigned at birth.

Kirsty Coventry

The president of the International Olympic Committee, who announced that the IOC will require all female-category athletes to undergo SRY gene screening ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games to ensure fairness for biological females.

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What they’re saying

“Biological men should not be competing against biological girls in sports, period. What about protecting the young ladies? Young ladies going up against biological men — biological men — there is no excuse for that.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Commentator

“Lia Thomas, for example, was a male, and he was ranked over 400th in the world. … And then he became a she. … And No. 1. Well … does it really take an Einstein to realize that there's something wrong with that picture?”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Commentator

What’s next

The International Olympic Committee's decision to require SRY gene screening for female-category athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games is expected to set a new standard for transgender participation in elite women's sports competitions.

The takeaway

Stephen A. Smith's strong stance against transgender athletes competing in women's sports reflects a growing debate over fairness and the integrity of female athletics. While supporters argue for inclusion, critics contend that biological advantages put cisgender women at an unfair disadvantage. This issue is likely to remain a contentious topic in the sports world and beyond.