Riley Gaines warns of safety risks in WNBA regarding male eligibility

Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and advocate for women’s sports, has expressed concerns regarding the physical safety of female athletes in the WNBA. Speaking with influencer Benny Johnson, Gaines addressed the controversy surrounding men declaring for the WNBA draft, noting that the league currently lacks specific policies prohibiting biological males from competing.

Gaines cited previous incidents involving biological males in women’s sports to illustrate potential risks, including a field hockey player in Massachusetts who required facial reconstruction after an injury and Peyton McNabb, who suffered partial paralysis following a collision. Gaines argued that allowing men to compete in women’s leagues prioritizes the feelings of biological males over the physical safety of female athletes.