Coach of transgender NCAA volleyball player blames opposing teams who forfeited for 'hateful messages' toward his school



The coach of San Jose State University women's volleyball team blamed the forfeiture of games over a transgender player as the source of hatred toward the team, not the fact that the women's team has a man playing on it.

Coach Todd Kress, who has never publicly disagreed with or condemned the male athlete playing (Blaire Fleming) on his women's team, made the claims after losing the Mountain West Tournament final on Saturday.

He began by stating his school followed all the rules.

"I will not sugarcoat our reality for the last two months. Our team prepared and was ready to play each match according to established Mountain West and NCAA rules of play. We did not take away anyone's participation opportunities," Kress wrote.

Kress has continuously stated that forfeits by other teams — which totaled five other schools — took opportunities away from the girls on his team but has failed to mention why the other schools forfeited in the first place.

"Sadly, others who for years have played this same team without incident chose not to play us this season. To be clear, we did not celebrate a single win by forfeiture. Instead, we braced for the fallout," the coach told Fox News. "Each forfeiture announcement unleashed appalling, hateful messages individuals chose to send directly to our student-athletes, our coaching staff and many associated with our program."

SJSU qualified for the MWC tournament with a first-round bye after putting up its best start in program history. After Boise State refused to play against SJSU for a second time, they went straight to the final where they lost to Colorado State University.

"Our team played their hearts out today, the way they have done all season. I want to recognize and thank our seniors — Alessia [Buffagni], Chandler [Manusky], Brooke [Bryant], Brooke and Blaire — for their tremendous efforts on the court all season long. They have all helped us to get where we are," Kress added.

'We've had meetings, and it's a lot of just checking in on Blaire.'

Kress called the past season "one of the most difficult" he's experienced and said "ensuring the overall safety and well-being" of his players has been his priority.

That is not how SJSU player Brooke Slusser described the treatment of the team during an exclusive interview with Blaze News in September, however.

"We've had meetings, and it's a lot of just checking in on Blaire. ... We were like 'what about us?'" Slusser said.

Coach Kress has remained consistent in not addressing the obvious root of the problem at SJSU. In October, he called it "completely ridiculous" that players on his team were receiving "messages of hate," while adding that the forfeits "hurt" SJSU athletes.

According to an SJSU assistant coach, who has since been suspended, Kress has even filed complaints against his own athletes for speaking out against the team's male athlete.

Kress has allegedly filed at least one Title IX complaint against Slusser on the basis that she has referred to Fleming using masculine pronouns during media interviews. Kress allegedly described this as a threat to the rights of trans women.

Former NCAA swimmers gave remarks on Kress' latest stance, including Riley Gaines who notoriously competed against male swimmer Lia Thomas.

"Ah, yes. Blame the women for wanting safe and fair sport. Not the narcissistic man. One man's feelings > all women's safety," Gaines wrote on X.

Kaitlynn Wheeler, who was on the same Kentucky swim team, wrote, "SJSU coach defends male in women's volleyball & then calls the women 'hateful' for forfeiting to protect their safety & fairness. Women are 'hateful' but a man in their sport is 'brave'? This is pure misogyny & gaslighting of female athletes."

SJSU officials and Kress have not responded to Blaze News' requests for comment on multiple occasions.

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Boise State women's volleyball team refuses to play against transgender athlete, forfeits Mountain West tournament



The Boise State women's volleyball team ended its season with a forfeit, refusing to play against San Jose State University in the Mountain West Conference.

San Jose State University's transgender player, Blaire Fleming — born Brayden — is a 6'1'' male whose participation in NCAA women's volleyball games has resulted in four other teams forfeiting matches.

This is the second time this season the ladies from Boise State have forfeited against SJSU, marking the sixth forfeit overall against the team. In late September, Boise State took a technical loss but still managed to battle back to earn a spot in the yearly tournament.

After beating Utah State on Wednesday — another team that has refused to play SJSU — Boise State players said they would not play Fleming and SJSU in the tournament semifinal on Friday.

"The decision to not continue to play in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship tournament was not an easy one, " Boise athletics wrote, per Outkick. "Our team overcame forfeitures to earn a spot in the tournament field and fought for the win over Utah State in the first round on Wednesday."

"They should not have to forgo this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes," the school added.

This means that SJSU will walk into Saturday's tournament final, and if the team wins (whether by forfeit or not), they will advance to the NCAA national tournament.

SJSU gave its own statement, invoking Thanksgiving as a reason to celebrate all students.

"In this time of Thanksgiving, we are especially thankful for those who continue to engage in civil and respectful discourse. We celebrate and support all of our students, including our student-athletes as they compete for our community on this holiday weekend," the statement read.

The school added that while it was "disappointed" in Boise State, its players are looking forward to "competing for a championship."

Blaire Fleming stands alone waiting to make the first serve against the Air Force Falcons on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

SJSU had one of its own players, Brooke Slusser, speak out against the team for focusing on Fleming instead of the women on the team.

Slusser and a suspended assistant coach have joined a lawsuit against the school and the conference saying their First Amendment rights were violated after they spoke up about the ordeal.

Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include two players from Boise State, Katelyn Van Kirk and Kiersten Van Kirk.

A judge recently denied an emergency motion from the group's legal team to remove Fleming from the tournament and reinstate wins from the schools that had forfeited.

'We must fight to protect women's sports.'

After Boise State's forfeit on Wednesday, the Mountain West Conference said any "decisions to forfeit matches are at the institutions' discretion and are considered a loss. San José State will advance to the MW Women’s Volleyball Championship final."

Idaho's Republican Senator Jim Risch condemned the conference, saying it had "failed" the women from Boise State.

"These women have worked too hard for too long to be denied their right to fair, safe competition. We must fight to protect women's sports."

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Transgender NCAA volleyball player remains eligible after Biden-appointed judge allows male to continue with women's team



A male athlete will be allowed to compete in the Mountain West Conference tournament after a United States district judge denied a motion to disqualify the player.

That athlete is San Jose State University's transgender player, Blaire Fleming. Born Brayden, Fleming is a 6'1'' male whose participation in NCAA women's volleyball games has sparked five separate forfeits from opposing teams.

About a week prior to the judge's decision, 11 female NCAA athletes and one coach filed a lawsuit against the MWC and SJSU alleging the female athletes were subject to a new "Transgender Participation Policy" that sought to "suppress the free speech rights of women athletes."

Judge S. Kato Crews, appointed by President Joe Biden, denied a series of motions that sought to disqualify Fleming from playing in the conference as well as negate losses that other teams received by forfeiting against SJSU during the season.

'The movants have failed to meet their burden to show irreparable harm.'

According to OutKick, the judge spent the first 30 minutes of the emergency hearing deliberating which pronouns to use when talking about Fleming.

Judge Crews ultimately decided that "the movants have failed to meet their burden to show irreparable harm, a likelihood of success on the merits, or that the balance of harms or equities is in their favor."

"The threatened injury to the movants if an injunction issues is outweighed by the MWC’s interest in holding the upcoming MWC Tournament without an eleventh-hour shake-up to its currently planned structure," the judge wrote. "The relief requested with the Emergency Motion would risk confusion and upend months of planning and would prejudice, at a minimum, Defendants and other teams participating in the tournament depending on the results of any reseeding."

"The movants have failed to meet their burden to show irreparable harm, thus justifying denial of the Emergency Motion and USU's motion partially joining in it," Judge Crews also wrote.

After the ruling, the plaintiffs announced they would be filing an emergency appeal to the Tenth Circuit court asking for an emergency injunction.

The Transgender Participation Policy at the center of the lawsuit states that the NCAA will "not entertain inquiries or challenges regarding the eligibility of transgender student-athletes." Schools are also not required to provide information to their opponents about whether or not there is a transgender athlete on their team.

SJSU has remained mostly silent throughout the controversy but has suspended one female coach who spoke out about the issue. Associate head volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose has since joined the lawsuit against the MWC and SJSU.

As well, SJSU was previously revealed to have asked other schools to pay for alleged losses SJSU incurred due to the forfeits.

If the MWC tournament is to go on as planned, SJSU will play a March 4 match against either Utah State or Boise State; both teams forfeited against them during the season.

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Jake Paul jumps into NIL deals with gymnast Livvy Dunne for partnership in new Walmart brand



Boxer and influencer Jake Paul has recruited multiple star athletes as partners in his new men's care brand.

Recently, Paul signed LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne to a name, image, and likeness deal for his health product brand called W.

Dunne is a social media juggernaut in her own right, with over 13 million followers across platforms. She announced the new partnership on her Instagram page, which represents about 40% of her audience.

The NIL deal, first reported by On3, represents the strong crossover value that college athletes offer brands in different markets, along with international reach online.

Dunne is reportedly the third influencer brought on as a co-owner of the Walmart-exclusive brand, along with recent UFC champion Sean O'Malley and rapper Rubi Rose. All of these influencers have a strong following among young men, whom Paul is targeting with his new brand by strictly selling products for less than $10.

Paul launched W in June and reportedly brought Dunne on after meeting her at a party.

"We immediately hit it off," Dunne told WWD. "Seeing how passionate he was in person really made me want to work with him. I know he grew up as an influencer and has always been in the spotlight, but he's truly proven himself in other areas and shown that you can be successful beyond just being an influencer."

Dunne added that she has garnered success by discovering her core values and aligning her brand deals and business opportunities with those ideals.

"I feel like there are so many things on people's feeds that are not authentic. It's very easy to detect," she continued. "It's a feeling you get when you talk to a brand and can tell your core values align. And that's something I felt with W."

'I think that's important, creating a substantial brand that will last post-college.'

The gymnast and NCAA champion has been trying to make honesty a big part of her brand, often providing remarks that are seldom heard in the sports world.

In September, she explained the importance for female college athletes to make money off their image while in college, due to lack of popularity of professional women's sports leagues.

"It's very important to capitalize on your NIL while you're in college if you're a female, because there's not a lot of professional leagues after college for most women's sports," Dunne confessed.

"I think that's important, creating a substantial brand that will last post-college."

Dunne carries with her a $4 million NIL valuation, which ranks her No. 2 in the country among college athletes.

At the same time, Paul made an estimated $40 million from his recent boxing match against Mike Tyson.

The 27-year-old said he wanted to create a health brand free from artificial dyes, hormone disruptors, and sulfates and sought to bring a product to market that he said would help young men who are deficient in vitamin D and magnesium.

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NCAA volleyball players file lawsuit over male athlete on women's team after 'transgender participation policy' is revealed



Nearly a dozen NCAA athletes and one coach are suing the Mountain West Conference over alleged First Amendment violations that stem from a male athlete playing against women.

Officials at San Jose State University are also named in the lawsuit that alleges the female athletes were subject to a new "Transgender Participation Policy" that sought to "suppress the free speech rights of women athletes."

The lawsuit, backed by the Independent Council on Women's Sports, claims the defendants manipulated conference rules, "diminished sport opportunities for women," and used their position to punish dozens of female college athletes for taking a stand against having to compete against men in their sport.

That athlete is SJSU's transgender player, Blaire Fleming. Born Brayden, Fleming is a 6'1'' male whose inclusion on the team has sparked five separate forfeits from opposing teams

According to the provided Transgender Participation Policy, the decision whether to allow a "transgender athlete" to participate in intercollegiate athletics is at the discretion of each school, determined by its own "interaction with the individual [and] the application of state law."

— (@)

Shockingly, the policy states that the NCAA will "not entertain inquiries or challenges regarding the eligibility of transgender student-athletes." Schools are also not required to provide information to their opponents about whether or not there is a transgender athlete on their team.

"It shall be the discretion of the certifying institution whether or not to provide pertinent information," the policy states.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include three women from the University of Wyoming, two from Boise State, and two from University of Nevada Reno.

Nevada's Sia Liilii previously spoke to Blaze News, simply stating that she and her teammates got together and decided what was happening "isn't right."

Brooke Slusser (left) lines up alongside transgender athlete Blaire Fleming (right).Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

'I will do everything to protect this opportunity for other girls and women.'

Two of Fleming's own teammates from SJSU have joined the lawsuit, along with the Associate Head Coach of Women’s Volleyball Melissa Batie-Smoose.

The coach was recently suspended after speaking out on the issue and even alleged that Fleming had conspired against his own teammate (Brooke Slusser, also named in the lawsuit) with an opponent to try to injure her.

Utah State captain Kaylie Ray, another plaintiff, called for more support from the Mountain West Conference and NCAA.

"We need leaders in the Mountain West and NCAA to step up. Being a woman in sports has shaped my life, and I will do everything to protect this opportunity for other girls and women."

San Jose State University and its staff have not returned requests for comments on the situation, nor have they been willing to address any claims made by the student-athletes or coach.

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'I don't deserve soap': Syracuse football coach says he doesn't shower when loses because only 'winners get washed'



Syracuse football coach Fran Brown explained his strange ritual when he loses a game, which includes not showering or going to bed with his wife.

Brown's team lost 37-31 to Boston College over the weekend. The coach hosted a press conference on Monday. It was at that press conference that a media member asked Brown exactly what preparation he does between a Saturday loss and a Monday press conference.

Brown replied that he immediately starts watching game footage multiple times before moving on to footage about his next opponent when his family is asleep. The coach then described his ritual of not bathing if he loses.

"Honestly, I've got like a ritual when we lose," he began. "I didn't even get into the shower until earlier this morning. I just be mad, brush my teeth. It's like, 'I don't deserve soap. I don't deserve to do all that.'"

'I can't sleep in the bed if we lose because I'm not going to be able to shower.'

Coach Brown explained that not only does his habit stem from the fact that he feels he let his players down, but also that when he loses he is just up all night bothering his wife.

"I'm just focused on trying to get back and try to make sure that our players mentally understand that I let them down. They didn't do it," Brown said. "I just wake up all night. Especially when we lose. I wake up like, damn, that really happened that way. ... And then I just move on."

The 42-year-old continued to reveal his procedure, stating that he also can't sleep in his bed with his wife if Syracuse loses, likely because he stinks.

"There's a process I follow all week, win, lose, or draw. Only thing is, my wife ... I can't sleep in the bed if we lose because I'm not going to be able to shower."

"I just brush my teeth because I have to, so y'all don't say my breath stinks," he continued.

With a 6-3 record, Brown has had a limited number of non-showering weekends but said he is focused on Syracuse's upcoming game against the University of California.

The coach said he has been thinking about the historic nature of the game, given that the two teams haven't played each other since 1968.

However, Brown will continue his mantra of "winners get washed."

"You gotta earn the right to certain things, so winners get washed. Loser, I just kind of wait a little bit," he concluded.

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Transgender NCAA athlete heckled with 'no men in women's sports' chants — staff desperately tries to silence crowd members



A male athlete playing on a women's NCAA volleyball team faced jeers and chants from a crowd demanding fairness in women's sports.

San Jose State University's women's volleyball was defeated by San Diego State University on Saturday, but the score was not what caused the most commotion.

The game saw around triple the usual attendance; however, much of the crowd was not happy to see SJSU's transgender athlete Blaire Fleming. Born Brayden, Fleming is a 6'1'' male whose inclusion on the team has sparked five separate forfeits from opposing teams and even caused his own teammate to speak out against him.

As OutKick's Alejandro Avila reported, Fleming was greeted by a section of fans holding a "Save Women's Sports" banner.

The crowd members also chanted, "No men in women's sports!" as Fleming stood on the court.

'Shame on you for not protecting women.'

One attendee in the opposing bleachers allegedly attempted to get the fans silenced, but upon complaining to security, the on-duty guard reportedly said the fans were not violating any guidelines, citing free speech.

SDSU staff seemingly felt differently, however, and were reportedly on high alert, looking to stamp out any forms of "hate speech" that may occur during the game.

This included SDSU's associate athletic director of operations, Dave Noll, who confronted one of the fans leading the chants. The fan was identified as a man named Patrick Higuera.

Noll approached Higuera, accompanied by venue security, and told him he was violating the guidelines put forth by the Mountain West Conference.

The two exchanged words in an intense, face-to-face standoff.

"Shame on you for not protecting women," Higuera said to Noll.

Protesters at San Diego State University hold a sign in opposition to a male athlete on San Jose State's women's volleyball team.Image courtesy Alejandro Avila / OutKick

SDSU athletics issued a statement that said its staff is "trained to intervene in interactions in which there are disruptions, complaints or reported concerns, which occurred."

"Guidelines and policies are in place that help to ensure a safe environment for our student-athletes, staff and guests," the statement reportedly added.

"Our athletic events are opportunities to support our teams, celebrate our community, and set a positive example for our student-athletes and guests. Poor behavior, including disrespectful language, taunting and any unsportsmanlike conduct, does not reflect the values we uphold, including the Mountain West Conference's sportsmanship guidelines, and undermines the positive spirit of the game," the statement concluded.

Unfortunately, SJSU has failed to adequately protect its female athletes.

According to Fleming's teammate Brook Slusser, the school has predominantly focused on the male athlete's well-being during team meetings and discussions.

"We've had meetings, and it's a lot of just checking in on Blaire. ... We were like 'what about us?'" Slusser told Blaze News. "It's mostly just saying you can't be the person to ... identify Blaire's gender identity. 'Blaire needs to do that for himself,'" the girls were told.

According to an assistant coach, who has since been suspended, SJSU head coach Todd Kress has filed complaints against his own athletes for speaking out against Fleming.

Kress has allegedly filed at least one Title IX complaint against Slusser on the basis that she has referred to Fleming using masculine pronouns during media interviews. Kress allegedly described this as a threat to the rights of trans women.

Kress was asked specifically about these views and whether or not he believes Fleming should be allowed to play with or against women. However, he has not responded to requests for comment from Blaze News.

Blaire Fleming talks to teammates during a loss vs. SDSU on Nov. 9, 2024.Image courtesy Alejandro Avila / OutKick

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'They're eating the dawgs': From Wayne Gretzky to college football, the sports world goes crazy for Trump



The sports world has exploded with support for President Donald Trump since his re-election, with several athletes publicly showing that they back the president.

Perhaps his most famous supporter from the sports world was revealed on election night. Many fans rejoiced and others groaned when the "The Great One," Wayne Gretzky, was spotted in pictures during an election party last week at Mar-a-Lago.

Not only was Gretzky in attendance, he sported the increasingly popular white "Make America Great Again" hat with gold letters.

Gretzky's daughter, Paulina, also posted a family photo from the Trump resort. The photo included her parents, brother Trevor, and her husband, professional golfer Dustin Johnson.

Trump has also had a major impact in football, where his popular dance has quickly become the go-to celebration for many players.

Specifically, noted supporter and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa showed his moves after a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers en route to a 23-20 win. For the dance, Bosa was joined by his a pair of his teammates: defensive linemen Sam Okuayinonuand Leonard Floyd.

"Nick Bosa hit the Donald Trump dance after a sack," a reporter wrote as the caption for the video.

As the footage circulated the internet, Trump himself noted on his Truth Social platform, "NICK BOSA IS A GREAT PLAYER!"

A little over a week before the presidential election, Bosa wore a MAGA hat during a postgame interview on the field. Although the interview-bomb lasted just a few seconds, the NFL fined him over $11,000 for violating the league's rules on political messaging.

The Trump celebrations didn't stop with Bosa, however.

'They're eating the dawgs.'

Over at Drake university, receiver Trey Radocha performed a professional-tier rendition of the Trump dance after a touchdown against St. Thomas on Saturday. Drake won 22-19.

Northern Illinois University's Tristen Tewes somersaulted his way into the end zone before doing the Trump dance during a 42-28 win over Western Michigan.

Then, after the Ole Miss Rebels took down the Georgia Bulldogs 28-10, their social media team celebrated the win with a Trump reference.

"They're eating the dawgs," Ole Miss wrote, in reference both to Georgia and a statement Trump made at the presidential debate.

"They're eating the dogs, the people that came in. They're eating the cats," Trump said in reference to police reports in Springfield, Ohio.

Honorable mention goes to Michael Taaffe from Texas for his dance during a 49-17 stomping of the Florida Gators.

As well, quarterback Katin Houser from the East Carolina University Pirates was credited by some as being the first to do the dance on Saturday during a 49-14 win over Florida Atlantic.

The celebrations are sure to keep coming, as the dance moves are getting increased fanfare and eyeballs for some lesser-known schools.

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NCAA coach suspended indefinitely after speaking out about male athlete on women's volleyball team



A coach for San Jose State University's women's volleyball team was suspended indefinitely after filing a complaint about her team having a male athlete.

Associate head volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was suspended after she made a Title IX complaint against SJSU, which has a male athlete named Blaire Fleming, born Brayden, on the women's team. Fleming's inclusion on the team has sparked five separate forfeits against SJSU and even caused his own teammate, Brooke Slusser, to speak out against him.

SJSU has been hammered over the controversy for months, and now the controversy continues with the suspension of Batie-Smoose, who has made shocking allegations against Fleming.

According to her interview with Quillette, Batie-Smoose alleged in her Title IX complaint that Fleming, the male player, conspired with an opposing player at Colorado State University to possibly injure his teammate Slusser.

SJSU was visiting CSU in early October when Batie-Smoose learned that Fleming visited the residence of CSU player Malaya Jones, whom he would line up across from on the opposing side during their game the next day.

Batie-Smoose said in her complaint that Fleming went on to defy his coaches' instructions during the game by allowing Jones an unhindered hitting lane that exposed Slusser to the ball. The assistant coach further alleged that she saw Fleming and Jones laughing together after targeting Slusser.

Fleming's behavior was allegedly so strange that head coach Todd Kress even took Fleming aside for a one-on-one discussion, but he didn't change his behavior.

"At one point," Batie-Smoose said, "Blaire sent an over pass, perfectly setting up Malaya to kill the ball again in the direction of Brooke Slusser, after [which] Jones blew a kiss toward Fleming and mouthed 'thank you.'"

This moment was reportedly caught on video and posted on X.

It is alleged that Fleming essentially gave Jones the SJSU playbook and that the two concocted a plan to leave center court open so that Jones could target Slusser with unobstructed powerful strikes.

Colorado State University's Malaya Jones [right] is accused of conspiring with Fleming against an SJSU player.Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

SJSU responded to allegations made in the article and said the school "takes all reports and complaints seriously and is reviewing them."

"Due to federal and state privacy laws, the University is not able to comment on active reports or complaints," the school told Outkick.

"The University also has concerns about a number of inaccuracies in the article but is not able to comment further on those in light of those privacy laws. In addition, the University has significant concerns about apparent breaches of student and employee privacy and will be addressing those, as appropriate."

SJSU's coach Kress has also conspired against Slusser, Batie-Smoose claimed.

She said Kress told her that he has filed at least one Title IX complaint against Slusser on the basis that she referred to Fleming with masculine pronouns during media interviews. Kress allegedly described this as a threat to the rights of trans women.

SJSU coach Todd Kress reportedly filed a Title IX complaint against his own player for using the wrong pronouns.Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

Slusser told Blaze News in an interview that in addition to having to share a changing room with Fleming, team meetings have focused on the transgender athlete's well-being and not that of the female athletes.

"We've had meetings, and it's a lot of just checking in on Blaire. ... We were like 'what about us?'" Slusser said. "It's mostly just saying you can't be the person to ... identify Blaire's gender identity. 'Blaire needs to do that for himself,'" the girls are told.

"Everyone above you is telling you you shouldn't be talking for Blaire, you need to make sure the other person is okay; and [the management] is not thinking about, 'Are we okay?'" Slusser explained.

Kress, CSU officials, and Jones have not responded to requests for comments from other outlets.

This article will be updated should CSU or SJSU officials respond to Blaze News requests for comments.

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Nevada athletics director denies pressuring female volleyball players to 'stay quiet' and play against a man



The director of athletics at the University of Nevada has denied shocking allegations that she told female athletes at her school that a man was actually the athlete with a disadvantage when playing against women.

After the Nevada women's volleyball team made a very public forfeit against San Jose State University — the fifth team to do so — the group of women held a press conference to explain their decision.

The primary reason: SJSU has a 6'1" male — Blaire Fleming, born Brayden — on its roster.

'We were told we weren't educated enough.'

During their press conference, the Nevada players were led by captain Sia Liilii, who claimed that when the team spoke to school administrators, the officials refused to even listen to their statements:

"We were told we weren't educated enough, and we didn't understand the science," Liilii said.

Furthermore, Liilii told OutKick that Nevada athletic director Stephanie Rempe told the girls that it was actually Fleming who is "at a disadvantage" when competing against women due to being on testosterone blockers and estrogen supplements.

"She told us that it's harder for [Fleming] to play against [women] than it is for [women] to play against a male athlete," the team captain continued.

"[Rempe] went on to say that we would be liable for a lawsuit because we would be taking an opportunity away from San Jose State to play a game," Liilii added. "But, before [Rempe] said that, [Rempe said], 'I don't mean this as a threat or anything.'"

In an email to Blaze News, Rempe firmly denied the accusations made against her and said her interactions with her volleyball team lasted less than a total of 10 minutes:

The deputy athletics director and I met with the volleyball team and coaching staff on October 7, where every member of the team had an opportunity to share their feelings about the situation, ask questions, give their input on next steps and we provided the opportunity for resources.

I did not tell, and am unaware of any member of the athletics administrative team telling, members of our women’s volleyball team that they 'weren't educated enough,' that they 'didn't understand the science,' that they should reconsider their position or that they should 'stay quiet' regarding their participation in an Oct. 26 match that was scheduled against San Jose State University.

On October 14 and October 22, I spoke with the team for less than five minutes each time and those gatherings were operational in nature. At all three meetings, I shared our genuine apology for not sharing the statement released on October 3 in advance of their match against UNLV. As has been stated on multiple occasions, we continue to support the rights of the volleyball players who choose and choose not to participate.

The focus of our athletic department has always been on the well-being and success of our student-athletes, including their ability to learn and grow from their personal and competitive experiences at our University. This remains our overriding priority regarding all the members of our women’s volleyball team.

Blaze News also asked Rempe whether or not she believes that men or "transgender women" should be able to compete in the female category of NCAA athletics.

This article will be updated should be there be an applicable response from the university.

— (@)

Fleming's inclusion in women's volleyball has caused so much controversy in the Mountain West Conference that Boise State, Utah State, Wyoming, and now Nevada have forfeited matches. Southern Utah, which is in the Western Athletic Conference, also forfeited.

Fleming's teammate Brooke Slusser spoke to Blaze News about the unfair advantage the male athlete has and the reason teams are forfeiting against SJSU.

"I think we all know the reason the games are canceled," Slusser said.

At the same time, Nevada's Liilii has stated that while her team allegedly felt pressure to play against the male, they couldn't hold their true feelings inside.

"You could feel the fake energy because we were all trying to band together and ... just put this on the shelf and not think about it for a week," she recalled. "But honestly, as a woman, I don't know how to shut anything down."

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