The Boise State women's volleyball team declined to play San Jose State in the Mountain West Conference, ending the season with a forfeit.
San Jose State University transgender athlete Blair Fleming (real name Brayden), a 6'1″ male, participated in an NCAA women's volleyball game that resulted in four other teams withdrawing from the game.
It was the second time this season that the Boise State women's team had a bye against SJSU, and the sixth time overall for the team. In late September, Boise State suffered a technical loss, but still managed to fight back and qualify for the annual tournament.
After defeating Utah State (another team that declined to play SJSU) on Wednesday, Boise State players said they would not play in the game against Fleming and SJSU. Tournament semi-final on friday.
“The decision not to continue competing in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship was not made lightly,” the Boise Athletics wrote. out kick. “Our team overcame a forfeit to qualify for the tournament and fought for a win against Utah State in the first round on Wednesday.”
“There is no need to abandon this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes,” the school added.
This means SJSU will advance to Saturday's tournament final and if the team wins (forfeit or not) it will advance to the NCAA National Tournament.
SJSU has its own statementcites Thanksgiving as a reason to celebrate all students.
“During this Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful to those who continue to engage in civil and respectful discussions. We are especially grateful to those who continue to engage in civil and respectful discussions. We celebrate and support all students,” the statement read.
The school added that it was “disappointed” with Boise State, but that its players were looking forward to “competing for a championship.”
Blair Fleming waits for his first serve against the Air Force Falcons on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo by Andrew Webers/Getty Images
SJSU had one of the team's players, Brooke Slusser, criticize her for focusing on Fleming instead of the women on the team.
Slusser and the suspended assistant coach have joined a lawsuit against the school and conference, alleging that their First Amendment rights were violated after they spoke out about the ordeal.
Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include two Boise State players, Caitlin Van Kirk and Kirsten Van Kirk.
A judge recently rejected an emergency motion from the organization's attorneys to remove Fleming from the tournament and reinstate his forfeited school wins.
“We must fight to protect women's sports.”
Following Boise State's loss on Wednesday, the Mountain West Conference issued a statement saying, “The decision to cancel a game is at each university's discretion and will be considered a loss. San Jose State will advance to the MW Women's Volleyball Championship Finals. ” announced.
Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho condemned The conference called Boise State women's participation a “failure.”
“They have worked hard for far too long to be denied the right to fair and safe competition. We must fight to protect women's sports.”
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