The University of Nevada women’s volleyball team is at odds with their own school after voting to forfeit a match against a rival featuring a transgender player.
The college volleyball season has been embroiled in the debate over trans athletes in recent weeks because of San Jose State University’s Blaire Fleming.
Fleming, a redshirt senior, has been cited as the reason four schools have forfeited games against San Jose State so far this season due to safety concerns.
These concerns were raised again last week when Fleming sent a ferocious spike out of a female opponent’s face during their match against the San Diego State Aztecs.
On Monday, players on the Nevada women’s volleyball team announced they had voted to forfeit their match against San Jose State on Oct. 26.
The University of Nevada women’s volleyball team has voted to forfeit against San Jose State
Teams cancel games against San Jose State because of trans player Blaire Fleming
In a statement to OutKickthey said, “We, the University of Nevada Reno women’s volleyball team, are losing to San Jose State University.
‘We demand that our right to safety and fair competition on the field is upheld. We refuse to participate in competitions that promote injustice against female athletes.”
They added that they are “united in solidarity” with the other teams that have refused to play against San Jose State – Southern Utah University, Boise State University, the University of Wyoming and Utah State University.
However, the University of Nevada later refused to acknowledge their decision and hit back in its own statement.
The school says the volleyball team’s decision “does not represent” the school’s views and that it still “intends” to play the game.
Their response read: “The players’ decision and statement was made independently, and without consultation with the university or the athletic department. The players’ decision also does not represent the university’s position.
“The University and its athletic programs are governed by the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law, which strictly protect equality of rights under the law, and that equality of rights shall not be denied or abridged by this state or any of its subdivisions because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry or national origin.
But the University of Nevada has told their volleyball team that they “intend” to play the game
Fleming (circled) hit the ball full force into the face of a female opponent last week
“The University is also subject to federal law and the rules and regulations of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, including providing competition in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“The university intends to proceed with the match as scheduled, and players may choose not to participate in the match on the day of the match. No player will be subject to disciplinary action from the team for his decision not to participate in the match.”
Fleming’s brutal spike last week took place on the SJSU campus, with the San Diego State Aztecs leading the Spartans 22-12 in the second set.
It was then that Fleming was set up by teammate Brooke Slusser before firing a spike off the face of San Diego State’s Keira Herron.
“Keira Herron has some pink in her hair and her face is starting to look like she’s going to match it as she’s clearly accepted the contact,” an announcer said in the video, which has since gone viral.
Fleming (below left) is pictured with her teammates from San Jose State University
Fleming (pictured), a redshirt senior in their third season on San Jose State’s roster, is at the center of a class-action lawsuit filed against the NCAA after it was revealed they are a biological male
Remarkably, Herron kept the game alive, albeit only temporarily before the point finally went to the Spartans. And what’s more, she even laughed afterwards as she appeared to tell a teammate that she was “doing fine.”
“I feel a little ashamed when she tries to laugh off that last ball,” the announcer added.
San Jose State would go on to lose in straight sets (25-21, 25-18, 25-19) to drop to 9-2 on the season.
The incident sparked more backlash against Fleming on social media.
‘SJSU’s male player, Blaire Fleming takes another punch to a female opponent’s face in tonight’s match with [San Diego State]’, read a message from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS).
“Come on NCAA, Ban the Man from Women’s Volleyball,” read one comment, of which there were hundreds.
“Taking women’s spots and scholarships is not nice and if they win it is completely pointless because of the benefits,” another commenter wrote. ‘Don’t confuse kindness and honesty.’
Fleming, who stands 6-foot-1, ranks third in the Mountain West in kills and second in points
SJSU coach Todd Kress addressed the controversy, revealing that the team has received a significant amount of hate mail.
“To be honest, it’s been very difficult lately to focus on what we can do on the field,” he said. mynbc15.com.
“There have been outside forces that have tried to divide our team, our university, our conference and our sport. I know it weighs heavily on the players in our dressing room who have worked hard for years.’
When asked about the hate mail, Kress said that “some of it, quite frankly, is disgusting.”
“I’m more concerned about our student-athletes and what they’re getting and how that affects their mental health,” he continued.
“We have an incredible group of young women who are trying to put controversy aside. I just have faith that in the end we can put aside the outside noise and play for each other and find love for each other again.”
Fleming has been cleared by San Jose State to play three seasons for the SJSU women’s volleyball team, which he will join in 2022.
Fleming, who stands 6-foot-4, currently ranks third in the Mountain West in kills and second overall in points.