State Schools Are Forfeiting Their Matches Against SJSU

After Wyoming and Utah State, it is now the turn of Boise State women’s volleyball team to forfeit their game against San Jose State University Saturday amid controversy surrounding a transgender member of the San Jose State University (SJSU) Spartans’ roster.

Boise State Athletics released a statement exclusively to OutKick less than 24 hours before the Mountain West Conference match.

In each of those forfeited match, the schools chose not to explain why they weren’t playing. In each instance, the announcements were followed by a social media post from a state governor applauding the decision.

"It is essential that we preserve a space for women to compete fairly and safely," Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox wrote on X after Utah State’s announcement a few days ago. "Our female athletes are left grappling with this difficult issue because the NCAA has failed in its responsibility to protect female athletes and women’s sports. It’s time for the NCAA to take this seriously."

In response to the forfeits, San Jose State released a statement saying, "It is disappointing that our SJSU student athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being denied opportunities to compete."

The news follows controversy surrounding SJSU’s women’s volleyball team after a current player joined several other female athletes in suing the NCAA for Title IX violations.

Blaire Fleming, a redshirt junior at San Jose State University, plays as an outside and right-side hitter on the women’s volleyball team.

Fleming, a transgender athlete, has played two seasons at SJSU after previously playing at Coastal Carolina.

Earlier this week, 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 that they claim compromise the fairness and integrity of women’s competitive sports while also putting women at risk.

"I commend Boise State’s athletic department and everyone involved in the decision to forfeit their match against undefeated San Jose State," Gaines said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Some principles transcend winning on the court, and the safety and well-being of female athletes is one of them. It’s encouraging to witness a growing number of institutions prioritizing fairness and athlete safety over forced inclusion. I hope to see more universities follow the lead of Boise State and Southern Utah, standing up for what’s right and protecting the integrity of women’s sports."

According to the complaint, Slusser claimed she was not aware that Fleming was transgender despite sharing rooms together on team trips.

Slusser also expressed safety concerns for opponents playing against Fleming.