Ex-NCAA swimmers Paula Scanlan, Riley Gaines blast 'hateful' protesters at Texas bill signing

Former NCAA swimmers Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the incident and the importance of protecting women's sports. 

A large group of demonstrators gathered outside Texas Woman’s University in Denton earlier this week to protest Gov. Greg Abbott’s ceremonial signing of the "Save Women’s Sports Act." 

While some in attendance were subject to objects and vulgarities being hurled at them, former NCAA Division I swimmer Paula Scanlan is hopeful that their message is still heard above all else.  

Paula Scanlan, former University of Pennsylvania swimmer, testifies during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing titled the "The Dangers and Due Process Violations of 'Gender-Affirming Care' for Children," on Capitol Hill, July 27, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

"It’s really important that everybody remembers that it’s for the next generation that needs to be protected." 

RILEY GAINES, ACTIVISTS SAY THEY WERE SPAT ON, ATTACKED BY PROTESTERS AT CEREMONIAL BILL SIGNING IN TEXAS

Scanlan, a former member of the University of Pennsylvania’s swimming team, and Riley Gaines, 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, spoke to "Fox & Friends" on Wednesday about the protests that erupted following Monday’s ceremonial signing of SB 15, which was previously signed into law in June. 

"It’s nothing we haven’t experienced before, to be honest," Gaines said. 

Riley Gaines, American competitive swimmer, speaks before Ron DeSantis, Florida governor and presidential candidate, at the Greenville Convention Center on June 2, 2023. (McKenzie Lange/ Staff/USA Today Network)

"These are protesters who are the most hateful, vengeful, violent – really soulless people and they do it in the name of love.