Brooks Slisser, a former volleyball player from San Jose, reacted on Monday after news broke that the Mountain West Conference enlisted the same law firm to investigate claims of misconduct involving transgender athlete Brook Fleming. This investigation, reportedly, also served to defend Fleming’s eligibility in court.
Slisser found herself at the center of suspicions linked to an incident involving Fleming and a Colorado player during a game. According to previous reports, the Mountain West hired Willkie Farr & Gallagher (WFG) to conduct this inquiry.
The firm’s engagement aimed to safeguard Fleming’s eligibility and address requests for preliminary injunctions to disqualify women from competitions and conference tournaments.
The investigation concluded just three days later, exonerating Fleming of any wrongdoing. However, it was noted that there was no evidence presented by the conference, even as Fleming managed to complete the season successfully, achieving all-conference honors and guiding SJSU to the Mountain West Championship Game.
Public records obtained by Fox News showed that attorneys from WFG, who investigated allegations against Fleming, later offered assistance to the school’s attorneys regarding a federal Title IX investigation, but this was turned down.
In a segment on Fox News Channel’s “America Reports,” Slisser voiced her concerns regarding the findings. “When this is made public, it’s evident there’s a substantial bias in the situation. They’re essentially trying to brush things under the rug without addressing the clear problems happening there,” she stated.
Slisser emphasized that Title IX was established to protect women, yet she feels the law firm’s involvement appears to prioritize the protection of male athletes, even when female athletes are adversely affected.
She hopes that no other female athletes will have to endure what she faced. “The objective is to prevent another young woman from experiencing what I did. My senior season was irreparably impacted. I just want to support young girls who share the same dreams I once had,” she expressed.
It’s important to note that none of the WFG attorneys have faced accusations of breaching any professional conduct rules.
William Bock, the attorney leading a lawsuit against SJSU and Mountain West on behalf of 11 current or former female athletes, expressed opposition to the meeting earlier on Monday.
Bock’s comments came on the heels of a White House statement regarding the matter. No comments have been provided by Mountain West, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, or San Jose State University in response to the inquiries.
