Boise State Forfeits Match Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy

The Boise State women's volleyball team has forfeited its game against San Jose State University amid controversy surrounding a transgender member of the Spartans' roster. Boise State is the second team this month to opt out of playing against SJSU due to concerns about the fairness and safety of transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

On Saturday, the Boise State women's volleyball team forfeited its game against San Jose State University amid ongoing controversy surrounding a transgender member of the Spartans' roster. This marks the second team this month to opt out of playing against SJSU, raising questions about the future of transgender athlete participation in women's sports.

Boise State Athletics released a statement exclusively to OutKick less than 24 hours before the scheduled Mountain West Conference match, but did not provide an explanation for the forfeiture. The statement simply stated that Boise State would not play its match at San José State and that the Mountain West Conference would record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Boise State.

Boise State Forfeits Match Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy

The NCAA also provided OutKick with a statement in response to Boise State's decision, emphasizing the importance of Title IX and fair competition for all student-athletes. The statement read, "College sports are the premier stage for women's sports in America, and the NCAA members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women's sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships."

The controversy surrounding SJSU's women's volleyball team stems from a current player, Blaire Fleming, joining several other female athletes in suing the NCAA for Title IX violations. Fleming, a redshirt junior and transgender athlete, has played two seasons at SJSU after previously playing at Coastal Carolina.

Boise State Forfeits Match Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy

Fleming's teammate, Brooke Slusser, joined former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines and several other female athletes in suing the NCAA over its policies regarding transgender athletes. The complaint alleges that these policies compromise the fairness and integrity of women's competitive sports while also putting women at risk.

Slusser claims she was unaware that Fleming was transgender despite sharing rooms together on team trips. She also expressed safety concerns for opponents playing against Fleming, citing her high-speed spikes that exceeded 80 mph. Slusser's attorney, Bill Bock, stated, "It's just a crazy, misguided policy that steals athletic dreams from women and gives them to men, and, at the same time, puts women's health and safety in danger."

Boise State Forfeits Match Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy

Earlier this month, Southern Utah University also opted out of playing against SJSU in the Santa Clara Tournament, citing similar concerns about safety and fairness. The Spartans remain undefeated this season with a 9-0 record, with Fleming leading the team with 16 kills in their latest win over Fresno State.

The controversy surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports is expected to continue, with more lawsuits and protests likely in the future. As the debate over fairness, safety, and inclusivity continues, it remains to be seen how the NCAA and other governing bodies will address these complex issues.