Southern Utah Sparks Volleyball Controversy Over California Transgender Athlete
Southern Utah University (SUU) just kicked off a massive college volleyball controversy, and they didn’t even need to step onto the court to do it. SUU became the first team to refuse to play against San Jose State University, and while they didn’t say why, everyone’s pointing to one player: Blaire Fleming, an alleged transgender athlete on the San Jose State roster. SUU didn’t spell it out, but come on, it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to piece this together.
WHO IS BLAIRE FLEMING?
Blaire Fleming, a 6’1” redshirt senior at San Jose State, is a beast on the court. But off the court, her presence has sparked a heated debate. The controversy? She’s allegedly a biological male, which has led to a class-action lawsuit accusing the NCAA of violating sex-based discrimination laws. Fleming, who transferred from Coastal Carolina, has been key to San Jose State’s undefeated 10-0 season, but her success is being overshadowed by the firestorm about her eligibility to compete in women’s sports.
SOUTHERN UTAH IGNITES A CHAIN REACTION
Earlier this month, SUU forfeited their game about San Jose State. Soon after, Boise State also backed out of a match against San Jose State, and more recently, the University of Wyoming followed suit. None of the schools are coming right out and saying it’s because of Fleming, but the timing is… well, let’s just say it’s not a coincidence.
San Jose State isn’t staying quiet, though. In a statement, the school expressed its frustration: “Our student athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules, deserve the chance to compete. We’re committed to supporting them in an inclusive, fair, and safe environment.”
Southern Utah has clearly stirred up more than just the local volleyball scene. As more schools join the conversation, the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports isn’t cooling off anytime soon. And from our corner here in Southern Utah, it’s clear this topic is only heating up.
EX-TEAMMATE JOINS LAWSUIT:
In addition to the controversy surrounding Blaire Fleming, a major legal battle is brewing as 18 female athletes have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, accusing the organization of violating Title IX. The lawsuit aims to overturn NCAA policies that currently allow male athletes to compete in women’s sports, claiming these rules undermine the integrity of women's athletics. One of the plaintiffs, Brooke Slusser, a former teammate of Blaire’s and the starting setter and co-captain of San Jose State’s volleyball team, revealed she was forced to both compete alongside Blaire and share a residence with her, without being informed that her teammate was transgender. Slusser's involvement highlights the deepening divide over fairness, privacy, and inclusivity in college sports.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that Blaire, no matter where you stand on the debate, is still a person. If you’re feeling the urge to tear someone down—just don’t. Be better.