Simone Biles‘ outspoken support for trans athletes has ignited a heated debate—and not just online. While the gymnastics icon doubled down on inclusivity, author and Fearless podcast co-host Shemeka Michelle is raising eyebrows, suggesting that Biles’ husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, might be the one influencing her stance behind the scenes.
“I think her husband probably had some input behind closed doors,” Michelle said on Monday’s episode of Fearless with Jason Whitlock. “But when money’s involved, maybe they just don’t talk about it openly.”
She continued, “He might actually be the one calling more shots than we realize. Just because he doesn’t worship Simone like the rest of us do doesn’t mean he’s not influencing things.”
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Jan 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; American gymnast Simone Biles (right) and her husband NFL player Jonathan Owens walk off the court following a game between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It’s a bold claim—and one that adds another layer to a conversation that’s already red hot.
Simone Biles vs. Riley Gaines: The Internet Clash Over Trans Athletes
A digital spat between Simone Biles and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines lit up social media last week. It all started when Gaines took aim at the Minnesota State High School League for turning off comments on a post celebrating Champlin Park’s girls’ basketball state championship—a team that includes a transgender athlete.
“Comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy,” Gaines wrote on X.
Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines (left) and decorated Olympian and gymnastics icon Simone Biles (right). Photo credits: Imagn
Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines (left) and decorated Olympian and gymnastics icon Simone Biles (right). Photo credits: Imagn
Simone Biles wasn’t having it.
“You’re truly sick,” she fired back. “All of this campaigning because you lost a race. 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 [athletes] feel safe in sports. But instead… you bully them. One thing’s for sure: no one in sports is safe with you around.”
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Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; United States gymnast Simone Biles poses for a photo on the sidelines before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Riley Gaines clapped back, calling Simone Biles a “male-apologist” and saying her stance was “the least controversial on this planet.” She then took things to a new level by dragging in Biles’ own trauma, referencing her as a victim of convicted sexual predator Larry Nassar—and even suggested Biles might not have won her Olympic medals if trans athletes had been allowed to compete in her sport.
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Yelle is a broadcast communications graduate from the University of Perpetual Help-Dalta and has pursued a career in television and news writing inNet 25 andRadyo Agila. Some of her works can also be seen through her previous publication inFastbreak.com.ph.