Boise State and Wyoming Volleyball Teams Forfeit Games Against San Jose State
The debate over transgender inclusion in sports has intensified, with the Boise State Bronco and Wyoming Cowgirl volleyball teams deciding to forfeit their games against San Jose State. This decision is believed to be in protest against the inclusion of a male-to-female transgender player in the San Jose State team.
San Jose State entered the weekend with a commendable 9-0 record, but controversy arose over the team's senior outside/right side hitter, Blaire Fleming, who is one of the team's top performers. The controversy escalated when Boise State announced it would accept a conference loss rather than play against San Jose State. The school did not provide an explanation for its decision, but observers believe the reason is clear.
The Controversy Surrounding San Jose State's Blaire Fleming
The Wyoming Cowgirls also decided to forfeit their scheduled conference match against San Jose State. This decision, which was a reversal of their initial plan to play the game, came after state legislators began organizing a letter to the university's president and athletic director.
The actions of both teams were praised by former Kentucky Wildcat swimmer Riley Gaines, who has been vocal about her opposition to the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports.
Legal Action Against the NCAA
In the previous week, Fleming's teammate, Brooke Slusser, joined a lawsuit against the NCAA. The lawsuit accuses the NCAA of violating Title IX by allowing male athletes to compete against women and have access to women's locker rooms. The suit argues that including male-to-female transgender players not only disadvantages women but also poses a safety risk.
According to a section of the legal complaint, Slusser claims that Fleming's spikes were traveling at speeds of up to 80 mph, faster than any woman's hit she had ever seen. Slusser is also troubled by Fleming's request to share a room with her during the team's road trips, revealing later that he is a man transitioning to become a woman.
Concerns Over Safety and Fairness
Slusser's attorney, Bill Bock, expressed concern over the physical danger and unfairness of the situation. He criticized the policy, stating that it not only steals athletic dreams from women and gives them to men, but also puts women's health and safety at risk.
Earlier in September, Southern Utah University's volleyball team was the first to forfeit a game against the Spartans. The forfeits by Boise State and Wyoming are more significant as they count as losses in Mountain West Conference competition. With the Wyoming forfeit, San Jose State's league standings will be 3-0, with two of the wins coming by forfeit.
Impact on Players
The mother of a player who played against the Spartans twice noted the physical toll on her daughter, who had to ice her arms repeatedly due to the force of Fleming's spikes. She observed that Fleming's performance was at times unstoppable and that her daughter's stats were significantly lower during those games.
It was also reported that San Jose State players were allegedly instructed not to discuss Fleming's gender with anyone outside the team, with warnings of repercussions for those who violated this directive.
Bottom Line
The controversy surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports continues to escalate, with teams choosing to forfeit games rather than compete against teams with transgender players. This raises questions about fairness, safety, and the impact on athletes. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and join the discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
