Simone Biles Sparks Debate with Bold Comment

Simone Biles, a titan in the gymnastics world with 11 Olympic medals to her name, found herself at the center of a heated debate this week. Her critique of former swimmer and activist Riley Gaines, whom she labeled “sick” for comments about a transgender softball player, has ignited a fervent discussion online. Biles’ assertion that Gaines was “bullying” a high school athlete has drawn significant attention and backlash, reflecting the complex nature of discussions surrounding sports and gender identity.

The Power of Influence

Biles’ words carry immense weight, given her status as an iconic figure in sports. Her decision to publicly challenge Gaines highlights the responsibility that comes with such influence. By stepping into this contentious arena, Biles underscores the ongoing tension between advocacy and differing viewpoints within the sports community. Her comment not only reflects her personal stance but also serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on inclusivity and representation in athletics.

Reaction and Repercussions

The response to Biles’ comment was swift and polarized. Among the voices was that of former sportscaster Sage Steele, who openly criticized Biles for her stance. This reaction underscores the divisive nature of the topic, where opinions are deeply entrenched and emotions run high. The backlash Biles faced illustrates the challenges athletes encounter when they leverage their platforms to address societal issues, particularly those as complex as gender identity in sports.

A Broader Conversation

This incident serves as a microcosm of the larger discourse on the intersection of sports, identity, and fairness. Biles’ engagement in this dialogue brings to light the evolving landscape of athletics, where traditional norms are being questioned and redefined. The conversation extends beyond the individuals involved, touching on the principles of inclusion, the rights of transgender athletes, and the role of public figures in shaping these narratives.

Looking Forward

As the dust settles, the implications of this exchange are likely to resonate within the sports community and beyond. Biles’ willingness to speak out on such a sensitive issue may inspire others to voice their perspectives, fostering a more open dialogue. Ultimately, this moment serves as a reminder of the power of athletes to influence societal change, and the importance of navigating these discussions with empathy and understanding. As the world of sports continues to evolve, the voices of athletes like Biles will be crucial in guiding the path forward.

“When I’m not mentally well enough to read the comments, I turn them off or ignore them,” she said. She also reminds herself that many of these people are strangers: “They don’t know me, and they don’t know my character, so how can they judge through a screen?”

During the one-hour event hosted by UBS investment bank, Biles spoke to more than 500 students – many of them budding gymnasts – about her record-breaking career and maintaining her mental health under so much public pressure.

As a professional athlete, taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, Biles explained.

“Elite athletes [face] a lot of mental effort to step onto the big stage and compete for your country. Obviously, it’s such an honour, but it can be really tough,” she said.

Sports psychologist discusses why teen athletes struggle to keep their head in the game

Knowing when to step back

The training schedule of a professional athlete is gruelling: Biles and her team train 32 to 34 hours a week. They do two workouts on weekdays and one on Saturday, taking only Sunday off.

Considering how much time is spent training, Biles stunned the world at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when she withdrew from several events, including the team final, all-around final, and individual event finals.

The reason for her decision was a mental condition called the “twisties”, a term gymnasts use to describe the feeling of losing perception of their bodies while in the air.

Having the twisties can make them feel like their rhythm is off and that they are not in control of their movements – and it can lead to serious injuries.

Biles looks back on the experience – and the way she prioritised her mental health – positively.

Simone Biles poses with her gold medal during the podium ceremony after the artistic gymnastics women’s all around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 1, 2024. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

“I think the mental health journey is something so unique and special, and it’s very personal to you, but really, it’s the most courageous I’ve ever felt,” she said. “The number one reason why I did it was to speak out and stand up for myself. And for the first time, I felt worth more than gold, and that people could relate to me.”

Having a strong support system helped her feel confident about her decision: “My team, my family, the nurses and doctors and the mental health specialists, they all understood, and we were all on the same page that this was the correct move,” she said.

“Having people in your circle of trust that help you and you can confide in really, really helps,” she explained. “If I’m ever having a bad day, they let me have bad days, and they cheer me up. On the good days, they still uplift me.”

Just three years later, Biles competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and one silver.

‘Fly High’ charity sports programme gets Hong Kong youth moving

Meaning of mentorship

Outside of gymnastics, Biles is also passionate about supporting children in the foster care community.

When she was only three years old, she and her siblings entered foster care because their biological mom was struggling with substance abuse. After a few years, Biles was adopted by her grandfather and his wife.

“I never let what happened to me stop me from believing in my dreams,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how you start; it matters where your journey takes you and how you walk that path.”

For the last few years, she has worked with Friends of the Children. The organisation partners with community organisations, schools, and foster care systems to pair children in need of long-term, nurturing relationships with an older friend who acts as their mentor.

Biles said the organisation has expanded from around four chapters to more than 40 across the US during her involvement.

“A lot of people think that foster kids can’t do great things, but I think we’ve proven over so many years [we can]. Never let that determine who you are,” she said.

Biles’ story inspired many of the students who came to listen to her. Photo: Handout

Students who listened to her story said they were inspired. Fifteen-year-old Ila Chan, who has been on the Hong Kong gymnastics team since she was nine, said her biggest takeaway was learning how to cope with stress and handle high-pressure situations.

“She should keep going because she’s an idol for lots of people around the world,” Ila said.

Meanwhile, Lexie Rhodes, 12, who has been doing gymnastics for around five years, said she felt encouraged to recharge, saying she learned the importance of letting off steam and taking the time to relax.

Biles appreciates the chance to serve as a role model and encourage young people, especially aspiring athletes. She offered up a tip for staying motivated and avoiding burnout: make sure you’re always having fun.

“You never know how long your career is gonna last,” she said. “So I would say to just have fun. Dream big, and then dream bigger after that. As long as you’re having fun, you can accomplish anything and love what you do.”

ESPN’s lead NBA sideline reporter Lisa Salters will be absent from Game 2 of the Finals Sunday night. Plus: ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris announces he has cancer; LA Times writer Bill Plaschke announces he has Parkinson’s; ESPN is moving three morning shows from its Seaport Studios.

Salters to miss Game 2 of Finals

Lead ESPN NBA sideline reporter Lisa Salters will miss Sunday’s NBA Finals Game 2 on ABC, according to a network press release. Jorge Sedano, who had been covering the Finals as a sideline reporter for ESPN Radio, will replace her. (Vanessa Richardson will fill in for Sedano on radio.)

In a statement, ESPN said Salters is out due to personal reasons. Her partner and ESPN colleague, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White, also missed her team’s game Saturday night for personal reasons.

Salters also missed a couple of Monday Night Football games for ESPN/ABC last season.

SportsCenter anchor Harris announces cancer diagnosis

Longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris announced last week that he is battling prostate cancer and will undergo surgery on Tuesday. Harris, who has been with ESPN since 2003, said on ESPN’s corporate blog that he hopes he can return to work “in a month or so, 100 percent healthy.”

Harris regularly anchors SportsCenter alongside Hannah Storm, who had a cancer scare of her own last year.

LA Times writer Plaschke announces he has Parkinson’s

Los Angeles Times writer Bill Plaschke, a regular contributor on the now-canceled “Around the Horn,” announced in a story published Sunday that he has Parkinson’s disease.

Plaschke wrote that he was diagnosed four years ago but had not previously disclosed his condition, even to his bosses. On social media, viewers of “Around the Horn” had expressed some concern about his condition during his recent appearances.

ESPN moving Seaport studio shows to new facility

ESPN said last week that it is moving its daily morning shows “Get Up,” “First Take” and “Unsportsmanlike” to a new facility at 7 Hudson Square in Manhattan, ending their run at the Seaport Studios at the edge of the borough. “Get Up” will be first to make the move effective Monday, followed by the two other series on June 23.

Though it was not said in the press release, it would seem to be obvious that ESPN is closing the Seaport Studio, as has long been reported. In addition to those three shows leaving, the network canceled “Around the Horn” — which originated from the same studio — last month.

Collegiate athletics is set to move forward with its new model in the wake of the House vs. NCAA settlement.

It’s a complex time for collegiate sports fans, to be sure, as they look to understand the modifications and how they will be applied and enforced.

Many have kept up with the House vs. NCAA landmark case, which was granted preliminary approval by Judge Claudia Wilken last October before its April 7 hearing.

The final settlement was granted last Friday night, after Wilken pushed back on the roster limit restriction stipulation, wanting that to be applied over time so as not to displace 5,000 student-athletes at once.

Here’s a look at some key elements of the ruling and the initial models and plans to run and regulate the overhauled collegiate sports model.

Settlement Terms

Schools will begin paying student-athletes out of a $20.5 million allowance, or “cap,” for the usage of their name, image and likeness (NIL).

The cap allowance will increase by 4 percent each year of the 10-year agreement.

The settlement terms take effect on July 1 and includes:

• backpay ($2.8 billion) to collegiate athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024, for prior usage of their name, image and likeness

• the elimination of scholarship limits,

• a $20.5 million allowance, or “cap” for schools to pay current student-athletes for the usage of their NIL

• “grandfathered” roster limits — athletes currently on teams will be able to finish their careers through their scholarship terms before new roster limits (105 for football) take effect (list below).

In addition to the $20.5 million athletic departments can disperse through their athletic programs, student-athletes can negotiate outside NIL deals.

Collegiate sports regulation

The Power Four conferences — the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC — will regulate and enforce player compensation.

A newly appointed “College Sports Commission” (CSC) will oversee the new system in place that allows schools to share its revenue (via the $20.5 million) and ensure that outside NIL deals are fair and comply with rules.

Former Major League Baseball executive vice president, legal & operations Bryan Seeley was named the CEO of the College Sports Commission (CSC) on Friday night.

Seeley’s CSC will see to it that student-athlete NIL deals not associated with the money paid directly by the university be approved by third-party clearinghouse Deloitte.

Investigations into the deals are expected to be resolved in 45 days, per ESPN sources.

The CSC looks to get schools to sign into an agreement for CEO’s to have the power to make “final factual findings and determinations” on violations of rules, and have the authority “impose such fines, penalties or other sanctions as appropriate” in order to uphold new rules and stipulations.

NIL Deal Approvals

Deloitte’s approvals will put the proposed deals through a clearinghouse called “NIL Go,” which involves a three-step process, as explained in a three-page memo that has been distributed to the schools, per NILrevolution.com.

Per the website, NIL Go will:

• efficiently clear legitimate third-party NIL deals valued at $600 or more

• reflect the true market value of NIL deals without arbitrary value regulation, and,

• support the enforcement of the deals, along with supporting the schools and student-athletes

Deloitte’s NIL Go involves a there-step process:

1. Payor Association Verification

“Schools will initially determine the association status of payors (i.e., whether they are “associated” entities or individuals) to determine whether a fair-market-value assessment is required. In doing so, schools will use several criteria such as whether the entity/individual exists primarily to support the athletics program, provides exclusive NIL opportunities for the school, contributes more than $50,000 over a lifetime, and employs or owns certain roles tied to the school or associated entities”

2. Valid Business Purpose Verification

“Next, schools will determine whether a payor’s intent is to use the student-athlete’s NIL to legitimately advance business objectives. On the payor level, the school will verify the payor’s identity and intent. On the deal level, the school will review the details of the NIL deal and any supporting documents for the purpose of flagging any issues.”

3. Range of Compensation Analysis

“Finally, Deloitte will use a 12-point analysis to assess whether the compensation aligns with similarly situated individuals in comparable NIL deals.

This range of compensation analysis will apply solely to third-party NIL deals with “associated” entities or individuals, using historical deal data involving both college and professional athletes as benchmarks, and excluding roster value and recruiting incentives.

Deloitte will assess factors such as athletic performance, social media presence, local and institutional market size, and brand influence to determine the fair-market-value of each individual student-athlete’s deal.

Upon completion of this process, Deloitte will communicate the status of each individual deal as either “cleared,” “in review,” or “information needed.”

If a student-athlete’s deal falls into either of the latter two categories (i.e., it is not “cleared”) the student-athlete has four options. They may: (1) renegotiate and resubmit the terms of the deal, (2) proceed at risk of eligibility consequences, (3) cancel the deal, or (4) request a neutral arbitrator to review the deal. Deloitte will not block any student-athlete’s deal, instead allowing the student-athlete to make his/her own decision to accept the deal with the understanding that they risk eligibility.”

Moving forward

More questions — and answers — lie ahead about collegiate sports’ new operations model amid this era of pay and free movement and immediate eligibility through the portal.

More lawsuits are expected as the legalities of the stipulations are tested, and more tweaks and modifications will be made as leadership navigates this new landscape.

There are sure to be unintended consequences, in addition to the litigation, for the universities’ leadership to manage and explain.

It’s a new path, to be certain, even as the collegiate sports main objectives and the rules of the games and competitions remain largely the same.

Roster limits

Source: NCSAsports.org

*The listed sports are offered services by NCSA College Recruiting. D1 sports not shown in the table, including Bowling, Fencing, Equestrian, Rifle and Skiing, will also have scholarship and roster implications.

Our focus continues to remain on the blueline after looking at Blake Fiddler. However, we’ll switch back to the left side, which is a bigger hole in the Kings pipeline. There are some additional parallels that they have in common.

Sascha Boumedienne

Vitals

Date of Birth: January 17, 2007
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense

2024-25 Season

Boumedienne spent most of the 2024-25 season playing for the NCAA for Boston University. In 40 games, he has 13 points (3 G, 10 A).

The Freshest Man

The mobile defender played his freshman season this year; his numbers are all the more impressive, as he was the youngest player in men’s collegiate hockey this year.

NHL Roots

Much like the previously featured Blake Fiddler, whose father Vern played in the NHL, Boumedienne also has ties to the highest level of hockey, as his father, Josef, suited up for Washington, Tampa Bay, and New Jersey.

International Individual

Born in Finland, Boumedienne also has Swedish citizenship, which is who he represents in international competition. Most of his development has been in the United States, though.

Most recently at IIHF’s U-18 World Junior Championship, the lanky rearguard had an outstanding performance. While earning silver, he was awarded WJC All-star honors, best defenseman, most assists (both in tourney and among all defenders – 13), and most points by a defenseman (14).

NHL Combine Results
Boumedienne attended the NHL Combine, and these are the categories in which he was ranked in the top-25:
Horizontal Jump: 110 inches (15th)
Pro Agility – Left Time: 4.37 seconds (20th)
Vertical Jump: 22.85 inches (12th)
No Arm Jump: 20.05 inches (10th)
Bench Press 50% of Body Weight – Power: 6.72 watts/kg (19th)
Left Hand Grip: 150 lbs (tied for 12th)
Right Hand Grip: 161 lbs (tied for 8th)
Pull-Ups Consecutive: 14 (tied for 5th)

Rankings by Independent Scouting Services

Ranked No. 31 by Future Considerations: “Boumedienne is a mobile, offensively inclined defenseman whose game is anchored by elite-level skating, advanced puck-moving ability, and a consistent competitive edge. His straight-line speed and rapid acceleration allow him to close gaps quickly on defense and drive play in transition, while his edgework and lateral agility make him both elusive and dangerous as a puck carrier in tight areas. He uses his feet exceptionally well on retrievals, creating separation with quick turns, weight shifts, and deceptive movement before executing accurate breakout passes that facilitate clean exits. In the offensive zone, his instincts shine as he walks the blue line with confidence, finds shooting lanes, and releases pucks with both velocity and accuracy, particularly when operating on the power play. He possesses a quick-release wrist shot and a powerful one-timer, which he deploys from the point and as a trailer on the rush. His passing touch is another asset, capable of threading pucks through seams or connecting with teammates in high-danger areas, whether off the rush or during extended zone possession. His hockey sense is advanced for his age, demonstrated through his ability to scan, process, and react to plays as they unfold. Boumedienne’s comfort as a power-play quarterback is further high lighted by his well-timed movements away from the puck and his ability to shift into shooting positions fluidly. Defensively, he uses a long reach and decent stick positioning to break up passes and challenge entries, though his physical play and gap control vary from shift to shift. While he does not shy away from contact, he often relies more on stickwork than assertive body engagement, which can limit his effectiveness in board battles or in front of his own net. His decision-making under pressure has also led to costly pinches and turnovers, particularly in moments where he pushes the offensive envelope and fails to recover.”

Ranked No. 15 by Hockey Prospect Radio. “recognized for his ability to excel in the challenging NCAA environment as a 17-year-old freshman. His scouting report emphasizes strong puck-moving skills, high energy, and an excellent skating base, positioning him as a top-25 draft pick. Despite lacking specialization, Boumedienne’s secondary production and playmaking, combined with his adaptability in a structured college system, enhance his appeal as a safer pick. His potential World Junior appearances and ongoing development against older opponents underscore his high ceiling as a versatile, puck-moving defenseman.”

Ranked No. 30 by Smaht Scouting. “Boumedienne is a player whose stock has probably taken a hit over the season. Going into the year many projected him as a player who would go inside the top 20, while now? It seems a toss-up as to whether he will go in the first or second round. This season he made the step up to play College Hockey with Boston University, and while he has more than held his own playing around 18 minutes a night, his lack of top-end offensive skill and clunky edge-work have meant many NHL scouts have real doubts about his ability to be a difference maker at the highest level one day. Additionally, he has struggled with consistency, albeit his game has got better over the season. However, in terms of the positives he is a smooth passer, with solid straight-line speed, good size, solid defensive chops and a tenacious playing style. Furthermore, he is still growing into his frame, and throw several of the defensemen who will likely be drafted ahead of him into College Hockey? They would likely do worse than the young Swede has. Expect a jump in his production next season too when he gets some PP time for the Terriers, as this year he has rarely seen ice in man-up situations, and he excelled there in the USHL. He is an interesting player in a draft that is weak in terms of defensemen. If everything goes well you might get a good second pairing defenseman, and his floor is high enough to say that he should at worst play games in the NHL one day.”

See For Yourself

Video of Boumedienne versus Providence in the NCAA:

Final Comments

From the readings above, the general sense for Boumedienne is he was underwhelming for an offensive defenseman. In a vacuum, it’s a fair criticism. However, we here at Mayor’s Manor love the word “context.”

Many players his age don’t play college hockey. Even in Europe when playing against older competition, prospects get bounced around to play at varying leagues with different levels of difficulty. For this collegiate defenseman, he spent all season (minus time in tournaments). These were hard minutes for someone who turned 18 years old four months ago.

Without the puck, Boumedienne boasts a good-size frame with good mobility in all directions. Consequently, the Oulu-born blueliner can cover a lot of ice. Struggling to make the right defensive reads inhibit moving around effectively though. With coaching and experience, this can improve.

He sees the ice well, particularly in transition. The breakout passes find their mark, which allows for a dangerous attack against the opposition. The vision and puck movement capabilities also make for a good powerplay quarterback.

For a young skater, Boumedienne didn’t back down when challenged. He is more of a puck mover than a puck carrier, despite having good skating ability. From an offensive standpoint, there should be a lot of growth. If the consistency and defensive reads can improve, there is good potential for a top-four defenseman.

Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The No. 21 Arizona Wildcats (43-19) won a back-and-forth battle, 10-8, against the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (46-14) on Saturday afternoon to even the Chapel Hill Super Regional and set up a winner-take-all game three.

Saturday’s game featured six lead changes, with third baseman Maddox Mihalakis landing the decisive blow on a first-pitch two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Arizona got clutch hits up and down the lineup in game two, including a game-tying infield single legged out by Aaron Walton, a go-ahead single by Tommy Splaine in the fifth, a rally-sparking double by Brendan Summerhill in the seventh, and Mihalakis’ game-winning knock.

Reliever Tony Pluta provided lockdown relief for the Wildcats, working a career-long 2.1 scoreless innings and earning the win to improve to 3-0. 

The Wildcats and the Tar Heels both now stand just one win shy of berths in the Men’s College World Series. The Chapel Hill Super Regional will be decided on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. MST on ESPN2.

Arizona WildBATS

• 1B Tommy Splaine: 2-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
• 3B Maddox Mihalakis: 2-for-5, 3 RBI
• RF Brendan Summerhill: 2-for-5, R, 2B, RBI
• C Adonys Guzman: 1-for-2, R, RBI, 2 BB
• CF Aaron Walton: 3-for-5, R, RBI
• SS Mason White: 2-for-4, 2 R, BB
• 2B Garen Caulfield: 2-for-5, R
• LF Easton Breyfogle: 1-for-4, 2 R, RBI, BB
• DH Andrew Cain: 1-for-4, R, BB

Bullpen Bullies

Number of the Day

• Saturday’s game featured six lead changes.
• Tony Pluta has not allowed a run in 25-of-27 appearances this season.

Photo of the Day

Social Media Coverage

?? more! pic.twitter.com/n5dNCUrV5k

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

WE WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW pic.twitter.com/CMukGLgedE

— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) June 7, 2025

??? TONY PLUTAAAAAA! pic.twitter.com/BJe1Wi9WRH

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

First pitch swinging and Mad Dawg puts the Cats back in front!! ?? pic.twitter.com/3ZrccD31QZ

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Thrill sneaks one inside the bag and gets a run back! ?? pic.twitter.com/GNkaiHSUyK

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Mad Dawg checks in with a knock! White scores, Cats by 2? pic.twitter.com/kjUHIKbEiU

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Tommy Smokes! Cats retake the lead! ????? pic.twitter.com/55DFyapB5N

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Tie ballgame ?? Walton legs out an infield single! pic.twitter.com/tfPzIKeo4U

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Went up and got it ?? pic.twitter.com/a8bwQ0hViZ

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Tommy Splaine: Defensive wizard ????? pic.twitter.com/w5uxQsoVev

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 7, 2025

Next Up

The Wildcats and Tar Heels square off in a winner-take-all game three on Sunday afternoon at Boshamer Stadium. First pitch on ESPN2 is scheduled at 9:00 a.m. MST for the right to advance to the Men’s College World Series.