- Samantha Wallace-Joseph posted a ‘hurtful’ post
- The NSW Swifts team quickly distanced themselves
- Post referenced trans controversy in the US
Netball star Samantha Wallace-Joseph has unleashed damage control on the sport with a social media post criticizing President Joe Biden for making March 31 the official Transgender Day of Visibility in the US.
The move sparked outrage among some Americans, as Easter Sunday fell on this date this year, even though the religious holiday will not occur on the same day again for another decade.
On Easter Monday, Wallace-Joseph – originally from Trinidad and Tobago – reposted the news from the United States, writing: “The disrespect is insane. Don’t play with GOD.’
When a fan complained about the ‘hateful’ post and said it should be removed, the star replied: ‘My opinion still stands.’
Samantha Wallace-Joseph (pictured playing for the NSW Swifts last month) posted a shocking take on US President Joe Biden’s announcement that March 31 is now the official Transgender Day of Visibility in the US.
The 30-year-old’s comments were branded ‘hateful’ by one fan before her team intervened
Her take on the news from the US sent the Swifts into panic, with the team holding a crisis meeting with the 30-year-old before releasing a statement distancing the club from its position on the matter.
“The NSW Swifts are aware of a social media post from Samantha Wallace-Joseph earlier today, which has caused understandable distress among members of the transgender community,” the statement said.
‘The views expressed in the post are not shared by the Club.
‘The Club has spoken to Samantha and raised her concerns. It is important to note that Samantha has listened and will be meeting with the Club tomorrow.
‘As a club we remain committed to continued education and commentary on issues of social importance.
Many members of our family, both directly within the club and in the stands, identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community. The NSW Swifts Club will always be their ally.”
Judging by her Instagram profile, the shooter takes her religion seriously.
The Swifts held a crisis meeting before parting with the goal shooter (pictured left in action last month)
Wallace-Joseph (pictured) objected to the US announcement on religious grounds as Easter Sunday fell on March 31 this year
Her Instagram bio references the Bible passage Philippians 4:13, which reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Netball Australia introduced its transgender policy in September 2020, stating that the sport was ‘committed to providing welcoming, inclusive and supportive places for all people to play our great game’.
The statement also said the body believes gender identity is “not fixed” and “exists on a spectrum.”
In 2022, then-CEO Kelly Ryan blasted the federal government over a private member’s bill aimed at banning trans athletes from women’s sports.
The controversy over Wallace-Joseph’s comments comes after a shocking year for the code in 2023, which led to stars and sport luminaries demanding Netball Australia’s top brass be sacked.