Former NFL player Marcellus Wiley says transgender athletes should NOT compete against women, suggesting it’s wrong and calling the controversial move a “biological issue”.
Former NFL star Marcellus Wiley said it’s “not right” for transgender women to compete against women in sporting events.
The former FS1 personality posted a TikTok Saturday expressing his views on the controversial infiltration of biological men, such as swimmer Lia Thomas, into women’s sports.
A Pro Bowl defensive end in 2001, Wiley prefaced that he “has no problem with transsexuals,” but horrified them when they participated in women’s sports.
“I have no problem with trans people. I have a problem with athletes who are transgender trying to transition from male to female and now playing with women,” Wiley said.
“And I will say this. You can all try to Dave Chappelle me all you want. I am very clear on this. You can be trans. You can be the friend, but I’ll be damned if a male at birth turns female and tries to compete with my daughters. It’s not out there. We out.
Former NFL star Marcellus Wiley is not an advocate for transgender athletes in women’s sports
Wiley has three daughters, with his oldest, Morocco, a former track and field athlete at UConn.
“Don’t make this a human rights issue – this is a biological issue. So simple. Believe me, I am a man.’
Despite some segments of society calling for transgender inclusion in sports, Wiley questioned why transgender athletes weren’t trying to create female empowerment and compete with men.
“Why can’t dudes who transition into women really empower women and compete with men?
“Oh, you don’t want to do that? Why why? Hello? Anyone? Because it’s easier, dammit.
To support his argument, the former San Diego, Buffalo, Dallas and Jacksonville quarterback pointed to the huge gap in the men’s (9.58) and women’s (10.49) 100-meter world records.
“I hate to say fair, but it’s not even right. Forget fair, it’s not right.’
Wiley is not the first ex-athlete to defend the tradition of women’s sports, with retired tennis champion Martina Navratilova calling transgender athletes “cheats”.
Former Olympian Bruce, now Caitlyn, Jenner admitted Thomas has “a huge advantage over the girls” he competes with, but has defended transgender golfer Hayley Davidson’s efforts to make the LPGA.
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas is biologically male and has caused controversy in NCAA Swimming
Wiley played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, among other franchises, during his 10-year career
Columbia University played for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2004 NFL season