Arr, Senator Josh Hawley be mighty displeased with Charlie Baker's lacklustre replies 'bout trans athletes at the Senate testimony!
2023-10-20
Avast, me hearties! Sen. Josh Hawley be none too pleased with the prattle of NCAA President Charlie Baker, as he be dancin' around the matter of transgender pirates in women's sports! Arrr, a jolly laugh be had, indeed!
Former Kentucky swimmer, Riley Gaines, and United States Senator, Josh Hawley, were unimpressed with NCAA President Charlie Baker's answers during his testimony before a Senate committee. Baker testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the future of college sports, particularly regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL). However, he faced repeated questions about transgender athletes participating in women's sports, with Gaines' experience in the locker room during the 2022 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships being used as a reference.Senator Hawley specifically asked Baker about female swimmers having to share a locker room with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during the championship and whether it was still NCAA policy. Hawley criticized Baker for not providing a clear answer and trying to shift blame to his predecessor. Baker distanced himself from his predecessor's policies, stating that he would not defend what happened in 2022.
Hawley sent a letter to Baker following his testimony, asking for the NCAA's exact policy on transgender athletes' access to locker rooms. Gaines also criticized Baker's testimony, calling it disingenuous and claiming that the safety and privacy of female athletes were disregarded. She stated that the locker rooms at the national championships were unisex, allowing anyone to enter, which she found concerning.
Baker acknowledged that the rules around transgender athletes are now more restrictive and that no athlete will be forced into an uncomfortable situation. However, Gaines and Hawley believe that Baker's responses were evasive and lacked transparency. Both expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and truthfulness from NCAA officials.
In conclusion, Gaines and Hawley were dissatisfied with Baker's testimony and believe that the NCAA needs to address the concerns surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports more directly and honestly.