Jamie Benn sparks huge debate on social media after liking post on transgender athletes

In this day and age, nothing a professional athlete says or does in public goes unnoticed. And, social media is public, especially platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn has received a ton of backlash, as well as some support on social media after liking a post regarding transgender athletes. The post, by conservative activist and political commentator Candace Owens, dealt with "biological men" playing in women's sports leagues.

"Biological men shouldn't be able to compete in women's sports," said Owens on her Instagram account. "This isn't controversial."

It was noticed by USA Today's Race and Inclusion Editor Hemal Jhaveri that Jamie Benn had liked the post, something she decided to call him out for.

"Does Jamie Benn know his Instagram likes are public?." asked Jhaveri. "This is some heinous, hateful, anti-trans garbage Candace Owens is spewing."

You can see the "like" in the photo included in the Tweet below.

Jhaveri published several other Tweets that included articles she would like Benn to read on the topic before ending her Twitter thread.

"Muting this thread. If you're Jamie Benn and want to talk please slide into my DMs."

There was an immediate response on Twitter (of course) with many downing Benn for liking the post, while others stated he's entitled to his opinion. It is worth noting that Benn was supportive of the NHL's "Hockey is for Everyone" campaign, as you can see in the photo below.

The bottom line is, if women's hockey leagues decide they want to allow transgender athletes to play, that's entirely their prerogative. If Benn is "transphobic", as many have been attempting to point out in this debate, I'm not sure this is evidence of it. As far as I know, there are no plans by the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) or the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to allow transgender athletes to play.

There has been no response from Benn on this debate despite several people tagging him in the conversation.

I dont like Candace, and I dont like Jamie Benn either, but he is entitled to his opinion.— Ry Guy (@Jomblo69) March 2, 2021

he's already blocking people who are calling him out for it, so I assume he knows and doesn't care— Anne Tokarski (@annetokarski) March 2, 2021

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