Transgendered Athletes in Professional Sports

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by Daseal

I have a question. This isn't rhetorical and I have no idea if it is even possible. Assume a male athlete goes through the exact same hormone therapy a transgender going from female --> male goes through, would they get a competitive advantage due to increased (possibly to dangerous levels?) testosterone/etc?

To me, the fact that they're transgender doesn't equate into the equation at all. It comes down to sports providing a fair and equal setting for people to compete. Athletes are a mix of naturally gifted and driven. Keeping PEDs and other advantages out of sports is important to keeping such treatment from becoming mandatory in order to compete.

That's why I'm against the carbon-fiber legs running in the Olympics. Every decision you make in life has consequences, changing your gender may have the consequence of giving up competitive sports. I think it's fair to say the person in question, had they been born a woman, would not be 6'8.

When it comes to the actual radio personalities. They should not have been suspended. Part of being a sports talk host is creating controversy and sparking conversation. When it comes to topics like this, if you're uncomfortable with the topic or don't agree with what they're saying -- then change the god damn channel. It's really not that hard, the only time I feel there is a case is when someone hears something like that and they lack the ability to get away from something that deeply offends them. People have the right to their opinion, and there are times that opinion is offensive to me. I ignore those shows.

See I look at this differently. PEDs are not dangerous when taken with professional consultation. Why not allow them, especially if people are going to constantly try to gain an edge? If everyone has the same access to PEDs, then those with the natural talents and drive will rise to the top.

That being said I do think there is an issue with things being unfair regarding transgender athletes.

Finally, in terms of freedom of speech I disagree. They are on free federal airwaves and are subject to regulations and guidelines. What ESPN did was right. If this was XM, however, I would agree with you.

[Daseal]

Originally Posted by hooskins

See I look at this differently. PEDs are not dangerous when taken with professional consultation. Why not allow them, especially if people are going to constantly try to gain an edge? If everyone has the same access to PEDs, then those with the natural talents and drive will rise to the top.

That being said I do think there is an issue with things being unfair regarding transgender athletes.

Finally, in terms of freedom of speech I disagree. They are on free federal airwaves and are subject to regulations and guidelines. What ESPN did was right. If this was XM, however, I would agree with you.

I don't disagree with your about PEDs being dangerous with regulation. And admittedly, over the years my opinion on this topic have changed from your stance to a non-PED stance. I see this as two fold. One, it's the slippery slope argument. Maybe use of HGH is allowed, but then it slowly becomes more and more supplements and less and less regulation. I will say this, I don't think athletes should be forced to take PEDs, which I think this would promote. Everyone will continue to try to get an edge -- but that edge may come at a higher price. Regardless, we could start a thread on that and get plenty of feedback.

As far as the final topic, I see your argument but don't agree personally. They didn't say anything against FCC rules. They didn't use language that was out of hand, etc. I think the topic is a sensitive one. They may not have handled it perfectly, but I still think you can turn the channel. There are shows I find offensive, for instance, shows like what Jerry Falwell used to run. I don't think they should be taken off the air because I don't believe in some of the messages that are part of that show.

I don't mean to upset anyone with the above, but it is a decisive topic that illustrates my point.