Former SJSU Volleyball Player Responds to Lawsuit Allegations
Blair Fleming, a former transgender volleyball player from San Jose State University (SJSU), has spoken out for the first time regarding allegations related to a recent scandal within the program. This response comes after Melissa Batimoose, a former assistant coach, filed a lawsuit against the California State University (CSU) system, which includes SJSU as one of its 23 member schools.
Batimoose claimed that SJSU made special exceptions for Fleming, allowances that she argues were not extended to other female athletes. “I don’t practice without excuses; I’m sitting in the stands while I practice. That’s just how it is,” Batimoose commented about these purported special treatments.
However, both SJSU and the CSU system have remained silent on these allegations.
In response to Batimoose’s claims, Fleming addressed her former teammate, Brooke Slusser. “The only time I showed up to practice with an excuse was when I was injured. Slusser and Melissa need to get a life,” Fleming stated. Slusser, like Fleming, has faced her own challenges. She joined the lawsuit and filed another citing her personal experiences with transgender athletes, also participating in other legal actions against the NCAA and SJSU.
Slusser’s case gained attention during a tumultuous season filled with disputes, with both players facing scrutiny as tensions escalated in broader culture wars. Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation during his campaign, calling for accountability after a controversial spike Fleming made during a match against San Diego State University.
In addition to the ongoing lawsuits involving Slusser and Batimoose, SJSU is currently under investigation for the federal government’s handling of the situation. This inquiry began shortly after a presidential executive order was issued last year, which aimed to prevent biological males from participating in women’s sports.
The aftermath of these events saw a significant exodus of players from the team, with at least seven opting for the transfer portal after the contentious season concluded in December. This current season has been difficult for SJSU, which has started with a 6-7 record, notably missing key players like Fleming and Slusser.
Fleming’s college career wrapped up in November, and although the team reached the finals, they faced challenges along the way, including matches getting canceled amid the controversy. Both players earned accolades, being recognized for their impressive skills, yet the turmoil overshadowed their achievements.
Fleming and Slusser both transferred to SJSU from other schools—Slusser from the University of Alabama and Fleming from Coastal Carolina. Their prior sports backgrounds and performances had set high expectations, with Fleming notably having a standout record during a historic season in 2019.
While the allegations have created a divide, former teammates have shared personal stories about their experiences, with some claiming that insights into Fleming’s background were either misunderstood or hidden. Slusser recounted a conversation where she felt blindsided by Fleming’s gender identity, prompting questions about trust and communication between teammates.
Post-2024 season, Slusser relocated back to Texas amid increasing concerns over harassment, now coaching youth volleyball. Meanwhile, Fleming announced his graduation through social media and has publicly shared serious struggles during the past season.
