Aussie trans basketballer Lexi Rodgers is blocked from playing in the women’s WNBL1 competition
Basketball Australia has turned down transgender basketball player Lexi Rodgers’ application to join the Kilsyth Cobras in the WNBL1 South basketball league.
The decision came after a three-person panel composed by Basketball Australia concluded that Rodgers was ineligible to play basketball at the elite level.
Basketball Australia released a statement on Tuesday that read in part: “BA assesses the eligibility of prospective top-level transgender athletes on a case-by-case basis, taking into account and balancing a range of factors.
“As a governing body, we recognize that we are still on the path of education and understanding. To help us develop our framework, Lexi will provide feedback and advice based on her experiences.
“The balance between inclusiveness, fairness and the competitive nature of sport will always be a complex area to navigate, and we thank those involved who have maintained their integrity and respect throughout the process.”
The decision to ban transgender player Lexi Rodgers (pictured) from women’s competition was made by a three-man Basketball Australia panel
The expert panel was led by Australian Basketball Hall of Famer Peter Harcourt, the Director of Basketball Australia, former Olympian, and panelist Suzy Batkovic, and sports and exercise physician, Associate Professor Diana Robinson.
The decision received a mixed response from the basketball community, with some claiming the decision was justified while others believed it was discriminatory.
Former NBA star and Australian Boomer Andrew Bogut had led the charge to bar Rodgers from the women’s league.
“Are you okay with sacrificing the sanctity of women’s sport in the name of ‘inclusion’?” he wrote on Twitter.
He praised the decision today, posting: “Right decision by Basketball Australia. That said, it is beyond alarming that we live in a time where an ‘expert panel’ is needed to make these decisions.
“Don’t let the activists try to overcomplicate the simple: women’s sport is for women.”
Former NBA player and co-owner of the Sydney Kings NBL men’s team Andrew Bogut had actively pushed for Rodgers to be banned from women’s sports
Opals great Michelle Timms and Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze, however, vehemently opposed Bogut’s view.
“With the sport of basketball and the nature of the rules, to use the argument [that Bogut made] that someone who has switched will be more dangerous than a woman, I don’t understand that argument,” Gaze previously said.
There were many fans who agreed with Gaze and were disappointed by the decision.
The BS to thank Rodgers for ‘her cooperation, understanding and patience’ is borderline insulting. Disappointing decision and I feel for her,” one fan posted.
Former Olympian and WNBL player Suzy Batkovic (right) sat on the panel and said Basketball Australia supports inclusivity despite the decision
Batkovic, thanked Lexi for her cooperation and understanding throughout the process and stated that the decision was made based on elite competition criteria.
“While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the result, I know she will continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and remain an active member of the basketball community,” said Batkovic.
“As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need for a clear process and ongoing education across all levels of the sport so we can best serve players, coaches, clubs, associations and the rest. can support. basketball community.
“I also want to make it clear, as it is important, that while this particular application has not been approved based on elite competition criteria, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at the community level.”
Basketball has been a lifelong passion for Rodgers and she had hoped to continue playing at the elite level
Rodgers has become an advocate for the transgender community, speaking about her experiences and challenges
Rodgers previously spoke out about her desire to play for the women’s league in a recent interview with ABC News.
“Every time I’m on the basketball court, every time I’m with the girls, every time I have anything to do with basketball, it’s just a gift.
‘I never thought I’d be here. I never thought I’d be playing basketball again.’
This decision has revived the debate about transgender athletes and their participation in women’s sports.