Boise State lauded for taking away title as SJSU player stands in the way: ‘True champion’
The Boise State women’s volleyball team made the decision to forego any chance of winning the Mountain West championship as it faced a transgender player in the semifinals.
After defeating Utah State in the first round, the Lady Broncos had a state setup with second-ranked San Jose State University, which has trans player Blaire Fleming on its roster.
Shortly after their victory in the finals, Boise State said they would withdraw from the semifinals, thus putting SJSU in the finals.
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San Jose State’s Blair Fleming is shown during a game against Air Force on Oct. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
“The decision not to continue playing in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship was not an easy one,” Boise State Athletics wrote in a statement. “Our team overcame forfeiture to earn a spot in the tournament field and rallied to beat Utah State in the first round on Wednesday.
“They should not give up this opportunity while we are waiting for a thoughtful and better plan that helps all athletes.
The Broncos’ decision received widespread praise on social media.
It was the Broncos’ third loss to San Jose State this season; they also opted not to play in their two regular season games.
San Jose State’s Blair Fleming digs the ball against Air Force on Oct. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
ENTERTAINER CALLS ‘CISGENDER WOMEN’ ‘REAL THREAT’ IN SJSU TRANS CONTROVERSY
Utah State, which was beaten by Boise State, lost its only game against SJSU this season as well. So it’s possible that no matter what, SJSU was through to the finals.
SJSU, which has six wins by forfeit, even earned the top seed in the tournament, and now advances to Saturday’s conference championship despite never having set foot on the field.
They will face the winner of San Diego State-Colorado State, which will be decided on Friday. Both teams played their games against SJSU this season.
Earlier this week, Associate Justice Kato Crews in Colorado, who was appointed by President Biden in January, rejected a motion to dismiss the lawsuit against the college volleyball players against the conference.
A dozen women filed a joint lawsuit against Mountain West and its commissioner, alleging violations of Title IX and their First Amendment rights. Among the women are SJSU volleyball captain Brooke Slusser and two former Spartans and athletes. other schools in the Mountain West.
San Jose State’s Blair Fleming is shown during a game against Air Force on Oct. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
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Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams to cancel games against the Spartans because of Fleming’s presence on the team. They knew the forfeit would result in losing their record, which ultimately helped SJSU secure their top seed.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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