SJSU ‘disappointed’ by Boise State’s decision to skip playoff game against trans player
San Jose State University advanced to the Mountain West finals, but it looks like it wishes it had found its place on the court.
The Spartans will go to the championship game after Boise State announced Thursday that it will forfeit its semifinal game amid controversy surrounding trans player Blaire Fleming.
The Broncos made the announcement shortly after defeating Utah State in the first round of the playoffs. Boise State dropped both of its regular season games against SJSU, while Utah State lost one.
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Blair Fleming, #3 of the San Jose State Spartans, attacks the net during the first set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court in the East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Responding to the forfeiture of the Broncos, SJSU said it was “disappointed” by the action.
“This Thanksgiving, we are so grateful to those who continue to speak up,” San Jose State said in a statement. “We celebrate and support all of our students, including our student athletes as they compete for our community this holiday weekend.
“While we are disappointed with Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s game and looking forward to competing.”
SJSU now awaits the winner of top-seeded Colorado State and the No. 5 San Diego State; no team lost to them in the regular season.
Blair Fleming, #3 of the San Jose State Spartans, waits to serve during the first set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court in the East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
LIA THOMAS RESPONDS TO SAN JOSE SAYS TRANSGENDER WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CONTROVERSY
Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada they were among the teams in the conference that canceled games against the Spartans during Fleming’s presence on the team. They knew the forfeit would result in losing their record, which ultimately helped SJSU secure their top seed.
Earlier this week, Federal Judge Kato Crews in Colorado, who was appointed by President Biden in January, dismissed a request by the college volleyball players against the conference, in an effort to have Fleming not play in the tournament and have their loss reversed. .
Blair Fleming, #3 of the San Jose State Spartans, reacts during the second set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court in the East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
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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.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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