Former ESPN host Sam Ponder is calling out a school sports tournament after her daughter’s middle-school basketball team was forced to compete against what she described as an “obviously naturally born boy.” The game, part of a local girls’ tournament, sparked a strong reaction from Ponder, who shared her frustration over what she called an unfair and unsafe situation.
Ponder said she watched her daughter be “physically dominated” during the game and called the experience “maddening.” She accused the boy’s parents of deception and said the situation left her emotionally shaken, despite raising her children to be kind and accepting. Her comments gained attention nationwide as debate over transgender participation in youth sports continues to intensify.
Responding to critics who accused her of trying to profit off controversy, Ponder pushed back, saying she has “lost millions” for being honest on this issue. “I’m not being paid for this honesty,” she added, noting she speaks out to protect girls’ opportunities in sports.
The situation reflects growing national concern over biological males competing in female athletics, particularly at the youth level. With public figures like Ponder stepping forward, calls for policy changes around school sports eligibility are likely to increase.
