Australian sports officials have determined that a transgender basketball player is “ineligible” to compete as a woman.
Lexi Rodgers, a biological male who claims to be “female,” applied to play women’s basketball in Australia.
However, his application was denied by Basketball Australia, the sport’s governing body.
“An expert panel convened by Basketball Australia (BA) has determined transgender athlete Lexi Rodgers is ineligible to play elite level basketball, including for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NBL1 South competition this season,” Basketball Australia announced in a statement.
“BA assesses eligibility of prospective elite level transgender athletes on a ‘case-by-case’ basis, accounting for and balancing a range of factors, and has implemented this process on behalf of Basketball Victoria in this matter.”
Despite being male, Rodgers is still hoping to compete in “elite women’s basketball” in the future.
“I sought a different outcome from Basketball Australia,” Rodgers wrote in an Instagram post.
“I participated fully and in good faith with the process and eligibility criteria.
“Consistent with the views expressed by so many, I firmly believe I have a place as an athlete in women’s basketball.
“I hope to one day be playing elite women’s basketball in the future and will continue to work on making the sport I love a place for all.”
It is not clear if Rodgers also applied to play men’s basketball.
“As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community,” Basketball Australia board of directors member Suzy Batkovic said.
“I also want to make it clear because it’s important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level.”
The issue of whether to allow men who “identify” as “women” to compete in female sports has become a point of controversy around the world.
Those who speak out against male athletes in women’s sports are routinely attacked.
As Slay News previously reported, female swimmer Riley Gaines was recently assaulted by a violent mob of radical activists for campaigning to protect women’s sports.
Gaines competed against Lia Thomas, a failed men’s swimmer who became a “champion” after switching to the women’s team.
