Transgender basketball player barred from Australian competition

MELBOURNE – A transgender basketballer was barred on Tuesday from playing in an Australian women’s competition, with the sport’s governing body acknowledging that it was a “complex area to navigate”.

Lexi Rodgers had applied to play for semi-professional regional league side the Kilsyth Cobras, sparking debate and leading Basketball Australia to convene a panel of experts to look at the matter.

The panel, who included a medical officer and a sports and exercise physician, ruled Rodgers ineligible.

“As the governing body we acknowledge we’re still on a path of education and understanding,” Basketball Australia said. “To aid us in developing our framework, Lexi will provide feedback and advice from her experiences.

“The balance of inclusivity, fairness and the competitive nature of sport will always be a complex area to navigate... we thank those involved who have maintained integrity and respect throughout the process.”

It added that the eligibility of transgender players was assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Rodgers was saddened by the outcome but thanked those who supported her.

“I have been humbled by the number of people who have publicly spoken in favour of including me as a player,” she wrote on Instagram. “Such support fills me with pride, but also sends an honest message of equality to those who are also seeking belonging within sport.”

Rodgers also still hopes to be allowed to play at a later date.

“I hope Basketball Australia understands that this is not the end of my journey as an athlete and that it must not miss future opportunities to demonstrate its values,” she added.

“I am sad about the potential message this decision sends to trans and gender diverse people everywhere.”

Rodgers had inquired about joining Kilsyth late in 2022 and was reportedly invited to participate in try-outs before an eligibility assessment, as required by Basketball Victoria.

Basketball Australia then stepped in.

There was a mixed response on social media to Tuesday’s ruling but Australian former National Basketball Association star Andrew Bogut called it the “right decision”.

“It is beyond alarming we live in a time where an ‘expert panel’ is needed to make these decisions,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Don’t let the activists try and overcomplicate what is simple – women’s sports are for women.”

Transgender athletes playing in elite women’s sport has become a highly contentious issue over the last few years.

Global governing bodies such as World Athletics and World Aquatics have banned anyone who has been through male puberty from their women’s competitions on the grounds of fairness.

But supporters of transgender participation insist not enough research has been done into whether these athletes retain an advantage after transition. AFP, REUTERS