On Tuesday, NCAA President Charlie Baker testified before a congressional subcommittee about a proposed piece of legislation called the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE) Act. It seems he didn’t recognize the irony, especially considering the NCAA’s recent disregard for the safety of women athletes.
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Under Baker’s reign, the NCAA not only capitulated to the radical transgender movement but also became a political force that further enabled it. As a result, women athletes have been forced to choose between preserving their sports careers or sharing locker rooms with—and competing against—men. In the name of “diversity,” the NCAA silenced women’s voices. But that wasn’t enough for Baker. He used the full financial power of the NCAA to pressure states that passed laws aimed at protecting women from the marginalization and harm that come with the transgender agenda. Thus, the line of questioning from Senator John Kennedy was a beautiful rebuke during Baker’s testimony regarding the SAFE Act.
In the exchange, Kennedy asked if Baker believes that men claiming to be “transgender women” have a physical advantage over women.
Baker attempted to avoid the question, claiming he had not seen any research on the topic. For progressives, left-wing research holds the status of unquestioned authority, religious canon even. One of their common debate tactics is demanding data for things that were once self-evident. If you assert that men are men, they demand studies to prove that which was never debated throughout history—until just recently. Kennedy quickly pushed through Baker’s attempt to evade and made a point that applies to many beyond just the NCAA chief.
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“Why don’t you go to Amazon and buy a spine online and take a stand?”
I think a lot about where one goes to find a spine. Over the years, especially during my time in the military, I encountered many people who admired my willingness to speak out—particularly in writing. I’ve lost count of how many men and women share morally principled views that reject today’s progressive, humanistic cultural agenda. However, many of them offer excuses, saying it’s just too risky for them to take a stand. They often put it this way: “I like your content, but I can’t be seen interacting with it, or engaging with you in public forums.” Of course there are people who need to keep a low profile for the grander good. But those I speak of are not akin to spies who need to protect their identity in order to ensure a successful future battle. To the contrary, these are among those whom the British poet Charles Mackay referred to as cowards in the fight.
Scripture warns us that faith without works is dead. The same is true for conviction without action—it means nothing. It only takes one brave person to take a stand. The cultural tide is beginning to shift. Satanic statues no longer stand in state capitols. Abortion is illegal across much of the nation. People fired for holding Christian views are winning lawsuits. No one can now be forced to take a COVID shot. In England, hospitals no longer perform surgeries that butcher young people in the name of gender identity. Donald Trump won the popular vote just a month ago. Disney just pulled the transgender storyline from an upcoming kids’ show. Major American companies are scrapping DEI programs. Military webpages promoting the sexual revolution in the ranks are disappearing. Kroger just stopped selling abortion drugs. The good guys are on the offense. None of these things are happening because good Americans played it safe. One person stood, then another, and then another. A few voices in the wilderness are becoming many, and they grow louder. We are witnessing the truth of Winston Churchill’s proverb that courage is contagious. Those who have spines are using them, thus laying the ground for cultural reformation.
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There is a difference between being sane and being brave, between having conviction and having a spine. Knowing the truth doesn’t automatically lead to acting on it. So, to those still sitting on the sidelines, cheering on those who took the arrows and yet advanced into the fight, I ask: What would it take for you to show your face, to take the simplest stand, to come out of hiding, and to find your spine?
Chase Spears served as a U.S. Army public affairs officer for 20 years, retiring as a Major (Promotable) in 2023. Chase holds a Ph.D. in leadership communication from Kansas State University, and today, he runs a leadership practice that helps people to turn brave ideas into action. You can find him on X/LinkedIn/Substack/YouTube @drchasespears.
