Utah State University has become the fourth university to forfeit a game against San Jose State due to controversy over transgender player Blaire Fleming.
Fleming, 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 were born biologically male.
More than a dozen female athletes, including teammate Brooke Slusser and women’s rights activist Riley Gaines, are accusing the NCAA of knowingly violating a law banning sex discrimination by allowing a transgender player to compete in women’s sports.
Since then, the women’s volleyball teams from Southern Utah, Boise State and University of Wyoming have refused to play San Jose State.
In a statement released today, Utah State also stated that they will not participate in a game scheduled for October 23 – specifically without giving a clear reason.
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
Utah State University has become the fourth university to forfeit a game against San Jose State due to controversy over transgender player Blaire Fleming
“Utah State University will not participate in the scheduled October 23, 2024 volleyball match at San Jose State University,” it said in a statement.
“The university will adhere to Mountain West Conference policy regarding the manner in which this game is recorded.”
All three other universities also gave no reason for the forfeiture.
Fleming, who plays as an outside and right-side hitter, enjoyed two seasons at San Jose State after previously playing at Coastal Carolina.
The 6-foot-1 volleyball star has helped the team go 10-0 so far this year. The 6-foot-1 volleyball star has helped the team go 10-0 so far this year.
Fleming, who plays as an outside and right-side hitter, enjoyed two seasons at San Jose State after previously playing at Coastal Carolina
The 6-foot-1 volleyball star has helped the team go 10-0 so far this year
She is currently listed as the team’s second-best player, with 103 kills and scoring 118.5 points this season.
The player transferred from Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, where she played on the women’s team, shortly after the state passed the Save Women’s Sports Bill, which would have banned her from playing on women’s teams.
The player also competed on her high school’s women’s team at John Champe High School in Virginia, according to her Reduxx.
San Jose State responded to the controversy over its player in a statement to OutKick on Oct. 1, saying, “It is disappointing that our SJSU student-athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being denied opportunities to compete .
“We are committed to supporting our student-athletes through these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment.”
The University of Wyoming previously withdrew from a game
Southern Utah University Women’s Volleyball was the first team to withdraw from a match
Fleming’s former roommate, Brooke Slusser, was the one who first revealed that the player had admitted to being biologically male. Surpass.
Slusser claims in the lawsuit that she became concerned for her safety after discovering Fleming was transgender, which she said she was unaware of despite sharing rooms together during team outings.
The San Jose State co-captain also expressed concern about Fleming’s competition with female players on the field.
“Brooke estimates that Fleming’s spikes reached a speed of 80 miles per hour, which was faster than she had ever seen a woman hit a volleyball,” Slusser’s complaint read.
“The girls did everything they could to avoid Fleming’s spikes, but still couldn’t fully protect themselves.”
Boise State University women’s volleyball also joined the ranks and forfeited a match – without giving a clear reason
One of Fleming’s teammates, Brooke Slusser, says they have admitted to being biologically male
Riley Gaines, a longtime critic of trans athletes in women’s sports who has connections to both ICONS and Outkick, issued her own statement to Fox’s website after Boise State declined to play San Jose State last month.
“I commend the Boise State athletic department and everyone involved in the decision to forfeit their game against undefeated San Jose State,” Gaines wrote.
“Some principles transcend winning on the field, and the safety and well-being of female athletes is one of them.
“It is encouraging to see a growing number of institutions prioritizing athlete fairness and safety over involuntary admission.
“I hope more universities will follow the example of Boise State and Southern Utah, stand up for what is right and protect the integrity of women’s sports.”
Fleming is currently listed as the team’s second-best player, with 103 kills and scoring 118.5 points this season
Slusser joined the lawsuit against NCAA because she feels uncomfortable with Fleming on the team, though she said she doesn’t want the athlete to be bullied.
The NCAA has already countered an early version of the lawsuit, saying the plaintiffs cannot bring a sex discrimination charge against the organization because it is a regulatory body and not a state college.
The organization also said the women cannot punish other state organizations for simply following NCAA rules.
According to the Cowboy stands dailyColorado State University and the University of Nevada-Reno have indicated they are ready to play their match against San Jose State.
Other universities with competitions scheduled include the University of New Mexico, the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, San Diego State University, Air Force Academy and Fresno State University.