Stephen A. Smith is pushing back on claims that he stayed quiet about transgender athletes in women’s sports, insisting he spoke out “from day one.” However, his former ESPN colleague Sage Steele isn’t buying that version of events and challenged him directly in a tense exchange.
The debate unfolded during a recent episode of Sage Steele’s podcast, where she questioned Smith’s timeline on the issue. Steele pressed him on why it took “three years” to publicly address transgender participation in women’s sports, prompting Smith to respond that he had already discussed swimmer Lia Thomas during her time at UPenn early on ESPN’s First Take.
As reported by Steele’s podcast, Smith maintained that his stance has been consistent, even as critics argue his comments only became more prominent recently. The discussion quickly expanded beyond timing and into a full critique of silence within professional sports. Smith also sent out a fiery remark to Jaden Ivey after his controversy.
Operation Sports App
Your ultimate companion for sports gaming. Access in-depth coverage, thoughtful discussion, and a community built around the games—and sports—you love.
Your ultimate sports gaming companion.
Sage Steele Questions Silence, And Smith Reasons
Steele argued that many high-profile male athletes and media figures have avoided speaking out despite having the financial security and platform to do so. She framed the issue as one of accountability, especially for those with daughters involved in sports.
“Why do you think so many male athletes… who’ve got not as much to risk… are staying silent?” Steele asked, pointing to the perceived risks female athletes face in competition. She contrasted wealthy athletes with everyday workers, suggesting that those with millions in the bank have far less to lose by voicing controversial opinions.
Steele also emphasized what she described as “common sense,” questioning whether parents would accept such competition scenarios for their own children. Smith did not dispute the bigger concern but offered a more cynical explanation for the silence. Smith responded by suggesting that indifference, rather than fear, is often the driving factor behind the lack of public commentary.
“Some people don’t care about a damn thing unless it affects them directly,” he said. “Some of us are conscientious enough to say, ‘Bump that, I got this public platform, ain’t no way I can sit silently and say nothing.’” He also described politics as “a cesspool,” framing the issue as part of a larger cultural and political divide that discourages open discussion.
Steele appeared surprised by that reasoning, especially given reports that a significant majority of people share similar views on the topic. She argued that the issue could have united voices across the sports media landscape if more people had spoken up earlier.
Steele suggested that greater collective action, particularly from women in sports media, might have changed the trajectory of the debate. “I said this from day one… if half of us sportscasters had stood up… we would not be in this position,” she said.
Smith pushed back, arguing that responsibility does not fall on one group alone. “There’s plenty of women that didn’t, just like there’s plenty of men did not,” he replied. He added that those willing to publicly address controversial issues remain “few and far between,” describing them as individuals willing to step “on front street” for what they believe benefits others.
The exchange highlighted a fundamental disagreement not just about timing, but about who bears responsibility for shaping public discourse.
Smith has been more vocal on the issue in recent appearances. During a segment on Real Time with Bill Maher last week, he made his position explicit. “Biological men should not be competing against biological girls in sports, period,” Smith said.
He doubled down on that stance by framing it as a matter of protecting female athletes. “What about protecting the young ladies? … there is no excuse for that,” he added.
The renewed attention to his comments, combined with Steele’s on-air challenge, has brought fresh scrutiny to when and how Smith has addressed the issue.
Published: Apr 3, 2026 02:16 pm