In the aftermath of South Carolina Gamecocks basketball coach Dawn Staley’s remarks regarding transgender participation in women’s sports, former NBA luminary Chandler Parsons entered the fray, igniting a social media firestorm.

Parsons, renowned for his tenure with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks after his collegiate days at Florida, posed a provocative query in response to Staley’s stance. “So if Zach Edey wants to identify as a woman, he can join your team next season?” he queried.

While Parsons’ inquiry might have been rhetorical, it nonetheless raised pertinent questions about the eligibility criteria for transgender athletes. Under current regulations, such as those stipulated by the NCAA, transgender individuals like Edey would need to undergo at least a year of hormone suppression therapy and provide documentation to compete in women’s sports.

During a press briefing, OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske probed Staley for her views on this contentious issue. Staley, known for her candidness, asserted, “I believe that if you identify as a woman, you should have the opportunity to compete as one. Gender shouldn’t be a barrier to participation in sports. You want me to elaborate?”

When confronted with the specific inquiry about transgender women’s participation in collegiate basketball, Staley remained resolute, affirming, “Absolutely, yes.”

Acknowledging the potential for controversy, Staley embraced the impending storm of commentary, remarking, “Let the naysayers flood my timeline. I stand firm in my beliefs, even amidst the distractions on one of our sport’s most significant days.”