Former Vikings Star Critiques Governor Walz’s Support for Transgender Athletes in Girls Sports

Former Vikings Star Critiques Governor Walz’s Support for Transgender Athletes in Girls Sports

Jack Brewer, a former player for the Minnesota Vikings and the University of Minnesota, is set to join prominent conservative activist Riley Gaines at a rally in Minnesota this Monday. Their aim is to advocate for the Preserving Girls’ Sports Act, a bill designed to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

The bill successfully progressed through the state’s House Education Policy Committee on February 20 and is scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives. If it garners support there, it will be passed to Governor Tim Walz, who is an outspoken supporter of transgender rights and is anticipated to veto the bill.

Brewer, who founded the Jack Brewer Foundation, expressed his disapproval of Walz’s pro-transgender policies, calling them “disgusting.” This criticism carries particular weight, given Walz’s profile as a former high school football coach at Mankato West High School during the 1990s.

Brewer shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital, stating, “It’s absolutely disgusting. When you see him and observe his mannerisms, you understand that he does not resonate with real men and boys who have fought on the gridiron. I feel no connection to this man.”

Moreover, he deemed Walz a shameful figure within the world of football, emphasizing his disappointment with the governor’s stance.

In April 2023, Governor Walz enacted the Trans Refuge Bill, which provides safeguards for people seeking and delivering gender-affirming healthcare in Minnesota. The state is currently facing scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education for opposing an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which sought to prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports.

In a poignant twist, Walz’s daughter, Hope Walz, gained attention through a series of viral TikTok videos. In these videos, she articulated her defense of transgender athletes while criticizing Trump’s executive order.

Brewer hopes he will have the chance to discuss this contentious issue with Governor Walz. He stated, “On Monday, if he were to invite me into his office for a discussion, I would receive that invitation with respect. I would convey to him that I know he does not truly believe in this stance deep down.”

He continued, expressing his belief that the governor recognizes the inherent wrongness of the issue, suggesting that Walz feels compelled to cater to a far-left liberal demographic for financial support. “These LGBTQ organizations contribute significantly to political campaigns, especially in Minnesota. Their power and financial resources play a crucial role in driving this legislation forward,” Brewer asserted.

Despite his hopes, Brewer does not expect Walz to sign the proposed legislation if it reaches his desk. He commented, “You know he’s not going to do it because that’s not who he is. I pray for his change of heart and awakening, but if he does sign it, it would likely be a result of his financial backing drying up.”

Riley Gaines echoed Brewer’s sentiments, stating her own reservations regarding the bill’s chances. “I’m quite certain that Governor Walz will veto this legislation. However, even if its chances for becoming law are slim, it is crucial to have representatives and senators on the record. It raises the question: do they stand with women or do they not?” she declared.

As of the time of this writing, Walz’s office had not provided a comment to Fox News Digital regarding the ongoing discussions about the bill.

The Broader Implications of This Debate

The topic of transgender athletes participating in women’s sports has sparked a significant national conversation on equity, inclusion, and fairness in athletics. Advocates for the rights of transgender individuals argue that everyone deserves the right to compete in sports according to their gender identity.

Conversely, opponents like Brewer and Gaines contend that allowing transgender women to compete against cisgender women undermines the integrity of women’s sports and presents unfair advantages. This conflict embodies a broader societal discourse about gender, identity, and rights.

As discussions around the Preserving Girls’ Sports Act unfold, they encapsulate a larger cultural battle playing out across the country. Many states are grappling with similar legislation, reflecting a growing polarization over transgender rights. As this story develops, it is expected to attract significant attention in both local and national media, indicating the high stakes involved.