Las Vegas is set to host one of the most controversial women's college volleyball tournaments in the history of the sport this week.
This year's Mountain West Tournament will feature San Jose State transgender athlete Blair Fleming and several teams who were already disqualified by the Spartans this season amid a national controversy over Fleming's presence.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo denounced the idea of a transgender athlete competing against a woman, days before Fleming is likely to compete in the state while garnering national attention.
Lombardo released a statement Wednesday saying he believes student-athletes “should only compete against members of their biological sex.”
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Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo speaks at a press conference after the country music festival shooting in Las Vegas on October 4, 2017. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“All students, regardless of gender, have the right to compete fairly and safely in high school and collegiate sports. For the well-being of the student and the integrity of competition, the student must be a member of the same biological sex. I believe that we should only compete with the US,'' Lombardo said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“As a father of two daughters, I strongly believe in preserving the sanctity of women's sports. Despite attempts to politicize the issue, my philosophy is simple: Women are women's sports. and men should participate in men's sports It doesn't matter what sports team we play, no matter what extracurricular activities a student plays, all students strive to be the best they can be on and off the field, in and out of the classroom. You have the right to be treated with kindness and respect. ”
Lombardo previously weighed in on the San Jose State controversy involving female athletes at the University of Nevada, Reno in October. The university's volleyball team was scheduled to play against San Jose State on Oct. 26, but Nevada players informed the athletic department that they did not want to play against Fleming.
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However, the university initially did not respect the wishes of the players and publicly stated its intention to proceed with the game against San Jose State. A Nevada State spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital that the university was doing this to avoid violating a state law passed by Democrats that prevents trans discrimination.
Coach Lombardo praised the attitude of his players in a statement on October 15th.
“As I've said before, I think there are competition and safety concerns in this issue. The NCAA is putting student-athletes in a position where they have to weigh their personal safety against the schools, competitions and sports they love. That's irresponsible,” Lombardo said. A statement was read.
“The student-athletes at the University of Nevada, Reno have decided that they do not want to play against San Jose State University, and I fully respect their decision. The NCAA has a responsibility to address this issue in a consistent manner that protects the integrity of women's sports and the student-athletes who participate. ”
Players then spoke out publicly, claiming the university was pressuring them to play against the Spartans. Nevada then officially forfeited the game the day before it started, saying it did not have enough players to play.
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Blair Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans tries to block a shot during an Air Force Falcons game on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Webbers/Getty Images)
Four other teams, including three conference rivals, forfeited games against San Jose State this season. These forfeits gave the Spartans six more wins in the conference, ultimately earning them the No. 2 seed in the next tournament and a first-round bye.
San Jose State is now guaranteed to play the previously eliminated team in the semifinals of the tournament. Utah State and Boise State, who each declined to play the Spartans, will meet in the quarterfinals Wednesday night for the right to advance to the semifinals.
A San Jose State spokesperson previously told FOX News Digital that the conference is currently preparing all teams and players who qualify for the tournament to compete, but in case they are disqualified. He said he has a plan. The plan includes the intention to recognize San Jose State as the conference champion if its opponent in the finals withdraws.
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