SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – Ace Trinidad & Tobago goal shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph apologized on Tuesday for a social media post about transgender people.
Wallace-Joseph, who plays for the NSW Swifts in the Australian Super Netball League, sent Australian sports officials into damage control after she shared an Instagram post that slammed United States President Joe Biden for making March 31 the official Transgender Day of Visibility.
The date coincidentally fell on Easter Sunday, and the Biden decision angered many who accused the U.S. president of co-opting a Christian holiday to promote transgender rights. Wallace-Joseph re-posted the news, commenting: “The disrespect is crazy. Don’t play with GOD.”
Wallace-Joseph was called to a meeting with officials of the Swifts on Tuesday, and she later released a joint statement with the club.
“It was not my intention to upset and disrespect anybody, and while I feel my post was taken out of context, I didn’t say what I meant clearly,” she said.
“I did not wish to cause any offense to members of the transgender community, and it is clear that I have, and for that, I am sorry.”
Swift’s executive general manager, Kath Tetley, added that the club was committed to “being a safe and inclusive space for all.”
“He said, “We are also committed to the ongoing education required to ensure a common understanding among all cultures and communities that make up” the Swifts.”
The League and Netball Australia also released a statement in response to the social media post from Wallace-Joseph.
“Late [Monday], the Super Netball League became aware of a social media post by NSW Swifts player Samantha Wallace-Joseph, which caused hurt to members of the transgender community,” the statement indicated.
“Netball Australia and the Super Netball League are committed to embracing diversity and ensuring the sport is welcoming and safe for everyone who wants to participate, including members of the LGBTIQA+ community.”
The League said it was closely working with the Swifts to determine if Wallace-Joseph may have breached its code of conduct.
Wallace-Joseph was the Swifts’ leading goal scorer three years ago, with 585 goals for the season and a 93 percent accuracy.
However, the 30-year-old was sidelined for nearly two years after injuring her knee in the opening round of the 2022 season.
She will return to elite competition when the Swifts play their first match of the SNL season on April 14 on the Sunshine Coast.
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