Utah State University forfeited a match against San Jose State due to controversies involving transgender player Blaire Fleming.
In a recent incident that has sparked significant debate, the women’s volleyball team from Utah State University decided to forfeit their match against San Jose State University.
This decision was primarily due to the participation of Blaire Fleming, a transgender player on the San Jose team.
This situation has raised questions about fairness and inclusion in women’s sports.
Transgender player Blaire Fleming has gained recognition as one of the top players on her team
Blaire Fleming is a senior who has been playing for San Jose State for three seasons.
She has helped her team win all 10 of their matches this season.
Currently, she is the second-best player on the team, scoring 118.5 points and getting 103 kills.
Blaire moved to San Jose State because her old school, Coastal Carolina University, would not let her play on the women’s team.
Her strong performance has made her an important player for her new team.
Utah State University abandons match after discovering transgender player in opponent team
However, her presence on the court has generated controversy.
A lawsuit claims she is violating a law restricting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Utah State publicly announced its decision to forfeit the match in a university statement.
They expressed their commitment to fairness in women’s athletics and stated that they would not participate in the scheduled match on October 23, 2024.
“Utah State University will not participate in its scheduled October 23, 2024, volleyball match at San Jose State University,” said the university in a statement posted on Wednesday.
“The University will abide by Mountain West Conference policy regarding how this match is recorded.”
Governor supports Utah State’s decision amid transgender athlete controversy
The move aligns with similar decisions made by other universities, including Southern Utah, Boise State, and the University of Wyoming.
All of these institutions have chosen not to compete against San Jose State due to the same issue.
Governor Spencer Cox of Utah supported Utah State’s decision.
He emphasized the importance of providing a level playing field for female athletes.
Governor Cox stated that the current policies in place do not adequately protect women’s sports, and he called on the NCAA to take action on this matter.
“Our female athletes are left grappling with this difficult issue because the NCAA has failed in its responsibility to protect female athletes and women’s sports.
It’s time for the NCAA to take this seriously and protect our female student athletes,” he said.
San Jose State team responded to the matter
In response to the forfeiture, San Jose State issued a statement expressing disappointment.
The university affirmed its commitment to following NCAA and Mountain West regulations, stating that their student-athletes deserve the opportunity to compete.
They emphasized the importance of providing a fair and respectful environment for all athletes.
“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 controversy surrounding Fleming has also affected her teammates.
Some players have voiced their concerns about competing against someone they feel has physical advantages due to their biological sex.
Brooke Slusser, a teammate of Fleming, revealed that players were uncomfortable with her presence on the team, citing safety concerns during matches.
“Brooke estimates that Fleming’s spikes were traveling upwards of 80mph, which was faster than she had ever seen a woman hit a volleyball.
“The girls were doing everything they could to dodge Fleming’s spikes but still could not fully protect themselves,” Slusser said in a lawsuit.
Fleming, at 6 feet 1 inch, delivers spikes significantly faster than typical in women’s volleyball.
This has led to concerns among players about the physical dynamics of the game when competing against her.