Dispute Between Former SJSU Volleyball Players Escalates

Former volleyball assistant coach at San Jose State, Melissa Batty-Smooth, has shared her thoughts regarding the ongoing conflict between ex-players Brooke Slusser and Blair Fleming. This situation has garnered attention recently due to a series of disputed statements made by Fleming, who is transgender.

Fleming has alleged that Slusser has suffered from anorexia and stopped attending classes since their first meeting in 2023. However, Slusser has refuted these claims, explaining that the stress of sharing a room with Fleming and a public scandal triggered her eating disorder. The tension between the two players has subsequently resulted in a lawsuit filed by Slusser against the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, putting the entire program under a microscope.

Batty-Smooth commented on the allegations, noting that Slusser had been performing well academically and personally prior to this incident. “In her first year and a half, she was consistent and hardworking. But after sharing her experience, it seemed like peer pressure took a toll on her,” she remarked. The backlash Slusser faced on campus and online has undoubtedly impacted her mental health and academic success.

Additionally, Batty-Smooth expressed disappointment in Fleming’s remarks. “I expected more empathy from someone who has faced personal difficulties themselves. Issues like mental health and eating disorders need to be treated with compassion, not judgement,” she stated. It’s clear that Slusser’s struggles stem from a complex situation, not just personal failings.

Recently, Fleming’s social media account has been deactivated, making it difficult to obtain further comments from him. Meanwhile, Slusser has previously described how the stress from these events affected her physically, stating that she lost significant weight and even her menstrual cycle due to anxiety.

Friends and family noticed her declining health and expressed concern. Her father insisted she return home after the fall semester to focus on her recovery. She is currently working towards completing her degree while overcoming issues with anorexia, hoping to start her own nutrition business in the future.

In response to Fleming’s comments, Slusser has firmly denied the accusations, insisting that she had maintained a healthy lifestyle before the turmoil began. She has taken steps to prioritize her wellbeing rather than returning to classes that felt unsupportive.

In her lawsuit against the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, Slusser claims she was unaware of Fleming’s transgender status until it was revealed during a casual conversation. The case has drawn political interest and prompted the involvement of law enforcement for the team’s protection.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how it will conclude, particularly as Slusser and Fleming continue to practice and compete together despite the tensions. Both athletes were recently recognized as part of the Mountain West all-conference team.

As for future plans, Slusser has explored options for continuing her volleyball career but ultimately chose a different path—coaching youth volleyball in North Carolina. Meanwhile, a federal investigation is currently looking into the university’s handling of the situation and any potential Title IX violations related to Fleming’s treatment.