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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Simone Biles apologizes for 'personal' comments during online feud with Riley Gaines
Simone Biles, left, has apologized to Riley Gaines after making 'personal' comments during their public feud over transgender athletes competing in women's sports. (Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press; Alex Brandon / Associated Press) Superstar U.S. gymnast Simone Biles has apologized to Riley Gaines after calling the outspoken former NCAA swimmer "truly sick" and a "sore loser" in recent days during their public argument concerning transgender athletes competing in women's sports. "I've always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport," Biles wrote Tuesday morning on X. "The current system doesn't adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn't help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for." Advertisement Gaines was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference swimmer at Kentucky. At the 2022 NCAA national championships, Gaines and Pennsylvania's Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, tied for fifth place in the 200 freestyle finals, but only Thomas got to pose on the podium with the fifth-place trophy. At the same meet, Thomas won the 500 freestyle to become the first out transgender woman to claim a Division I title. But in February and in response to an executive order by President Trump, the NCAA changed its policy to limit competition in women's sports to athletes who were assigned female at birth. Read more: California sues Justice Dept. over demand that school districts ban trans athletes Gaines has become a leading voice for preventing transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. She and more than a dozen other former college swimmers filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming that the organization had violated their Title IX rights by allowing Thomas to compete in the 2022 championships, Advertisement Last week, Gaines reposted an X post from the Minnesota State High School League that congratulated the Champlin Park High softball team — which made national news because its star pitcher is transgender — for winning the 4A state championship. "Comments off lol," Gaines wrote about the league's post. "To be expected when your star player is a boy." Biles reposted Gaines' post the same day and didn't hold back in expressing her views on the matter. "@Riley_Gaines_ You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race," Biles wrote. "Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! Advertisement "But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!" Read more: Two transgender athletes navigate teen life on front lines of raging national debate Biles added in a separate post, "bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male." Days later, the 11-time Olympic medalist returned to X, seemingly with a cooler head, to apologize for getting "personal" in her response to Gaines and attempt to explain her feelings again. "These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don't have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect," Biles wrote. "I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women's sports. My objection is to ... singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful. Advertisement "Individual athletes — especially kids — should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful." Gaines responded on X with a post in which she accepted "Simone's apology for the personal attacks including the ones where she body-shamed me" but stated that "you can't have any empathy and compassion for the girls if you're ignoring when young men are harming or abusing them." "I agree with you that the blame is on the lawmakers and leaders at the top," Gaines added. "Precisely why I'm suing the NCAA and support candidates who vow to stand with women. ... I welcome you to the fight to support fair sports and a future for female athletes. Little girls deserve the same shot to achieve that you had." Advertisement Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Simone Biles apologizes for ‘personal' comments during online feud with Riley Gaines
Superstar U.S. gymnast Simone Biles has apologized to Riley Gaines after calling the outspoken former NCAA swimmer 'truly sick' and a 'sore loser' in recent days during their public argument concerning transgender athletes competing in women's sports. 'I've always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,' Biles wrote Tuesday morning on X. 'The current system doesn't adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn't help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.' Gaines was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference swimmer at Kentucky. At the 2022 NCAA national championships, Gaines and Pennsylvania's Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, tied for fifth place in the 200 freestyle finals, but only Thomas got to pose on the podium with the fifth-place trophy. At the same meet, Thomas won the 500 freestyle to become the first out transgender woman to claim a Division I title. But in February and in response to an executive order by President Trump, the NCAA changed its policy to limit competition in women's sports to athletes who were assigned female at birth. Gaines has become a leading voice for preventing transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. She and more than a dozen other former college swimmers filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming that the organization had violated their Title IX rights by allowing Thomas to compete in the 2022 championships, Last week, Gaines reposted an X post from the Minnesota State High School League that congratulated the Champlin Park High softball team — which made national news because its star pitcher is transgender — for winning the 4A state championship. 'Comments off lol,' Gaines wrote about the league's post. 'To be expected when your star player is a boy.' Biles reposted Gaines' post the same day and didn't hold back in expressing her views on the matter. '@Riley_Gaines_ You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race,' Biles wrote. 'Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! 'But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!' Biles added in a separate post, 'bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.' Days later, the 11-time Olympic medalist returned to X, seemingly with a cooler head, to apologize for getting 'personal' in her response to Gaines and attempt to explain her feelings again. 'These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don't have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect,' Biles wrote. 'I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women's sports. My objection is to ... singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful. 'Individual athletes — especially kids — should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.' Gaines responded on X with a post in which she accepted 'Simone's apology for the personal attacks including the ones where she body-shamed me' but stated that 'you can't have any empathy and compassion for the girls if you're ignoring when young men are harming or abusing them.' 'I agree with you that the blame is on the lawmakers and leaders at the top,' Gaines added. 'Precisely why I'm suing the NCAA and support candidates who vow to stand with women. ... I welcome you to the fight to support fair sports and a future for female athletes. Little girls deserve the same shot to achieve that you had.'
Miami Herald
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Bowl executive, others dish on Dolphins' impressive group of undrafted rookies on offense
The Dolphins hope their 15-member undrafted rookie class will deliver gems similar to Kader Kohou in years past. In the first of a two-part series, here's some feedback on the Dolphins' undrafted rookie acquisitions on offense, from my conversation with Eric Galko, the East-West Shrine Bowl's director of football operations/player personnel director, and previous remarks from others: ▪ Arkansas wide receiver Andrew Armstrong: The 6-4 All-Southeastern Conference player had 78 catches for 1,140 yards last season, which both led the SEC. One of those catches was a touchdown. He played only one previous season of FBS college football, also at Arkansas, and had 56 catches for 764 yards and five touchdowns that season (2023). He started all 23 of his appearances for Arkansas after transferring from Texas A&M Commerce. 'His teammate Isaac TeSlaa got drafted in the third round [70th overall by Detroit] and Andrew had three times as many yards,' Galko said by phone Monday. 'His speed tested well. He's a physical guy that can play on the outside. Can play special teams in the NFL for sure. He has a chance to be late round quality pick.' Lance Zierlein projected Armstrong as a sixth-rounder and said he's a 'long-limbed, tight-hipped wideout with average feet and a lack of separation talent. Armstrong put together solid catch production during his two seasons at Arkansas but will need to prove it is translatable in the pros. He doesn't get in and out of breaks quickly enough to separate and lacks the pure gas to be a field-stretching option, but he has good size and ball skills.' NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah says besides having 'excellent size,' Armstrong 'got in the low 4.5s [in the 40], which is excellent at his size. Versatile, can play inside and outside. He's a fun-loving dude.' ▪ Missouri receiver Theo Wease Jr.: Wease Jr., who is joining the Dolphins with a $230,000 guarantee, caught 60 passes for 884 yards last season, his second at Missouri after spending four at Oklahoma. The 6-3 Wease caught 173 passes for 2,610 and 20 TDs in college. Galko said: 'He came in with high expectations, but got an injury late in the season. He tried to come to the Shrine Bowl but wasn't healthy. He's a physical outside receiver and has juice to separate vertically.' Zierlein projected Wease to go undrafted and said he has 'good size but average explosiveness on the outside. Wease is a vertical receiver who won't outrun the coverage but can outwork them for the football. He's not an explosive leaper but his ball-tracking and high-point timing stand out on tape. 'His routes aren't good enough to shake tight man coverage underneath and his small hands will make contested-catch wins more difficult to come by against pro corners. Wease is steady and productive, but he might not be dynamic enough to ascend beyond an average backup.' He ran a 4.59 in the 40 at the NFL Combine. ▪ Baylor receiver Monaray Baldwin: The 5-9 Baldwin had 27 catches for 478 yards and five touchdowns last season. He has a sterling 16.9 per-catch average in his career, with 99 catches for 1,673 yards and 13 TDs in four seasons and 44 games. Galko: 'Fast kid, smaller guy, situational returner, slot guy who can work downfield and can separate vertically.' NFLdraftbuzz's assessment of Baldwin: 'Baldwin's elite athleticism and game-breaking speed make him an intriguing day-three prospect with the potential to carve out a niche role at the next level. His ability to take the top off defenses and create explosive plays in the passing game will certainly pique the interest of NFL offensive coordinators looking to add a dynamic element to their receiving corps. The Baylor product's surprising play strength and versatility as a gadget player and returner further bolsters his draft stock. 'However, Baldwin's slight frame and inconsistent play in traffic raise red flags about his ability to withstand the rigors of a full NFL season as an every-down receiver. His route tree will need expansion, and he must prove he can consistently win against press coverage at the next level. While his athleticism is undeniable, Baldwin will need to refine the nuances of the position to maximize his potential in the pros. 'While his physical limitations may cap his ceiling as an outside receiver, Baldwin's elite speed and playmaking potential could make him a valuable situational weapon and special teams contributor for a creative offensive mind willing to scheme touches for him in space.' ▪ Northwestern receiver A.J. Henning: He had 59 catches for 603 yards and four touchdowns last season, his second at Northwestern after three at Michigan. The 5-10 Henning had 129 catches and 1,219 yards and eight TDs in five college seasons. The Draft Network's analysis: 'Henning brings a dynamic run-after-catch threat. He excels at running routes out of the slot and getting the ball in his hands in space. Henning's experience as a return specialist helps him read and follow his blockers to daylight with patience. Henning handles jet sweeps, end-arounds, WR reverses, and misdirection play calls. Henning would be an ideal returner. 'Henning's concerns begin with not being a refined route-runner and receiver. With most of his usage spent as a gadget receiver, he hasn't developed fully. His route tree is limited outside of screens and manufactured touches. Henning struggles to fight through physical contact at the line of scrimmage and in his route stem. 'He can be knocked off his spot and have his route timing disrupted by physical and handsy defenders. He does not offer a large catch radius for passes thrown helmet height or higher. Henning should not be expected to win many contested-catch situations down the field.' ▪ Texas Tech tight end Jalin Conyers: He had 30 catches for 520 yards and five touchdowns last season. He played the previous three seasons at Arizona State and has 104 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs in his four year college career. The Dolphins gave him $115,000 guaranteed. Galko: 'I was shocked he went undrafted. He tested super well. He maybe was not an ideal scheme fit at Texas Tech. He can be a downfield stretcher. Can work the third level, beat cover 2 and cover 3 and [thrive in the] short and mid area as well. Thought he might go in the fourth, fifth round. He could contribute as a rookie.' Zierlein had projected the 6-3 ½ Conyers to go in the sixth or seventh round and said with 'his size and athletic talent, Conyers could become an NFL surprise if he commits himself to the work off the field. The route-running needs work and he's faster than quick, but he has the size and ball skills to win when contested. 'He can add yards after the catch and has impressive tape out of the Wildcat at Arizona State, but the run blocking runs hot and cold. The size and talent are there for a roster spot, but sticking around might be up to Conyers.' ▪ Missouri running back Nate Noel: He had 163 carries for 818 yards (5.0 per carry) last season in his one season in the SEC. He spent the previous four years at Appalachian State and ran for a conference leading 1,126 yards in 2021. He has a 5.5 per carry career average. Galko: 'Really talented player, change of pace guy who can run between the tackles. Has burst.' ▪ Michigan guard Josh Priebe: He spent the previous four years at Northwestern. He has 42 career starts at guard for the Wildcats and Wolverines. He permitted no sacks and just 10 pressures in 361 pass blocking snaps last season with Michigan. PFF rated him Michigan's second best run blocker of its five offensive line starters. Galko said Priebe is an 'experienced guy who was coached by a lot of great coaches. He's not a super athletic mover or someone you want to put in space. But he can stick on a roster because he can play both guard spots and has a high football IQ.' ▪ Western Michigan guard/center Addison West and left tackle Tedi Kushi: West's pass blocking was exceptional; he allowed no sacks and just two pressures on 367 passing plays. PFF also rated him the team's top run blocker. Zierlein said West 'plays with consistent control and confidence. While he has lined up at all three positions along the interior, he projects as a center who has the flexibility to play guard in a pinch. He has the strength to stay connected to bigger bodies but lacks the size and length to become a consistent block finisher in battles against defenders with NFL-caliber size. He's been rock steady in pass protection, but he wasn't often tested by long-limbed athletes when singled up.' He said he had a chance to be drafted because of his 'play strength, consistency and scheme-independence.' Galko said West 'will struggle vs longer, more athletic guys. But he's a good mover in short areas.' Kushi permitted four sacks and 16 pressures on 370 pass-blocking chances. PFF rated him the team's fourth best run blocker among five starters. He's a long shot to stick Coming Wednesday: Feedback on the Dolphins' undrafted additions on defense.
NBC Sports
03-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Flau'Jae Johnson to sit out SEC tournament with right shin inflammation
BATON ROUGE, La. — Kim Mulkey said junior guard Flau'Jae Johnson will not play in next week's SEC tournament because of inflammation in her right shin. Johnson, a first team All-Southeastern Conference selection for No. 7 LSU, was held out of Sunday's regular-season finale that Ole Miss won 85-77. 'I sat Flau'jae,' Mulkey said. 'The doctor didn't tell her she had to sit. The trainer didn't tell her she had to sit.' LSU (27-4) has a double bye and is the third-seed in this week's SEC tournament which begins Wednesday in Greenville, S.C. Mulkey said the additional rest should allow Johnson, the team's leading scorer at 18.9 points, to get closer to 100% in time for the NCAA Tournament which begins March 19. 'I feel like no matter what happens there, we've earned the right to host here,' Mulkey said. 'Whether we're a two seed, three seed or four seed, the most important thing is to get her healthy before the NCAA tournament begins. Rest is the best thing for it. I have a lot of confidence that she'll be ready to go.' Mulkey said the timeline for Johnson's injury began when LSU visited Texas on Feb. 18 and lost a 65-58 matchup. She remained a part of the team's starting lineup and didn't play fewer than 31 minutes over the last four games, including an 88-85 overtime loss at Alabama last Thursday in which she was 2 of 12 from the field and scored a season-low six points. 'I don't feel like anything we do in the conference tournament, even if we lost both games, will affect us hosting here,' Mulkey said. 'We have a great body of work and Flau'jae will be back.'
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nebraska pitcher Bahl ready and rejuvenated after recovering from torn ACL
Nebraska pitcher Jordyn Bahl sees the torn left ACL she suffered a year ago and the season she lost as blessings. Bahl's story last season was supposed to be a fairytale. After being named Most Outstanding Player at the Women's College World Series for Oklahoma in 2023 and claiming her second national championship, the Papillion, Nebraska, native returned to her home state with the hope of reaching the World Series wearing a different shade of red. She was injured in her very first game as a Husker. She could only watch as Nebraska worked its way through an injury-plagued 30-23 season. Bahl, always the optimist, realized as she recovered that the time away from playing was just what she needed. 'I thought originally it was going to be a lot harder than it was,' she said. 'I found last year the break I got and the opportunity to view the game from a different lens than I ever had was an incredible blessing. It was refreshing. And I'm definitely ready to go now, all charged up. So it was a great year that was something I really needed.' The star who threw 24 2/3 scoreless innings at the 2023 World Series is rejuvenated and ready to anchor Nebraska's staff. She also looks forward to hitting and playing some first base. 'My goal for myself this season is to play this year and remember … the freedom I felt when I was on the sideline, and try to have that same mindset and relief in actually playing,' she said. Nebraska coach Rhonda Revelle said she will be careful with Bahl. 'We're going to manage her workload because she's going to be very important to us in the circle,' she said. 'When we play these early season tournaments and have multi-game days, we might rest her a game or we might use her as a closer in a game. When we get into conference games, three-game series, it's kind of all bets are off. We're going to work her to help us win and she'll do the same thing.' Bahl said she's not worried about being rested because there's plenty of other pitching talent on the team. She believes Hannah Camenzind, Emmerson Cope, Kylee Magee and Caitlin Olensky are capable options. Camenzind was an All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection at Arkansas in 2023. Magee was on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team at Arizona State in 2023. Olensky led the team last season with a 3.30 ERA. Cope pitched in 21 games last season. 'Our pitching staff is really cool and everybody brings a different specialty to the table,' Bahl said. 'I don't think there's a team we're going to play where we don't have the tools to beat them. That's not something you can say if you have a one- or two-man staff. We are five deep in our staff, I believe. We're stronger when we're all together and everybody brings such a different look. Bahl didn't make a prediction or set some lofty goal and said she's not putting as much pressure on herself as she has in the past. But she has given the World Series some thought, and so have her teammates. 'We've all talked about what it takes to get there,' she said. 'We know what it takes to get there. We know we have the things to get there. A big part of that is just going to be staying out of our own way and kind of being accountable to ourselves, but also holding each other accountable, of staying 25 strong.' Nebraska catcher Ava Bredwell likes what she's seen from Bahl since she arrived and expects the return to go smoothly. 'She wants to work every single day,' Bredwell said. 'She shows up and she's ready to get better. Last fall, it was obviously exciting to look forward to being able to catch her. That didn't work out last year, so I'm just excited to showcase that connection we've built, all our work together, and have that out on the real field.' ___ AP Sports Writer Eric Olson contributed to this report. ___ AP sports:
