Kirk Herbstreit, a veteran host of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” recently stirred controversy with his blunt comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports. During an appearance on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me! with Dan Dakich,” Herbstreit declared that he’s “done giving any s–ts” about the issue, expressing his frustration with the ongoing debate. After years of holding back his opinions, Herbstreit made it clear that he’s no longer concerned about potential backlash or the fear of being canceled.
The catalyst for Herbstreit’s remarks was a social media question asking if men belong in women’s sports, to which he responded, “Of course not. Ridiculous question.” He later reflected on the unexpected support his response garnered, despite expecting negative reactions. Herbstreit emphasized that his views, rooted in his Christian beliefs, make it difficult for him to stay silent on such topics, even amidst pressure to adopt more progressive viewpoints.
Herbstreit’s comments come amid heightened public discourse, particularly following the case of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who faced backlash after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif, involved in a gender eligibility controversy, became a focal point in the broader debate about transgender participation in women’s sports.
Herbstreit’s unapologetic stance reflects a growing divide in public opinion, with more traditional voices like his feeling emboldened to speak out. His remarks underscore the tensions surrounding the issue, as figures like him push back against what they perceive as a double standard in the conversation about gender and sports.
