Boise State women's volleyball team forfeited its scheduled match against San Jose State University Saturday amid controversy surrounding a transgender member of the Spartans' roster. This is the second team this month to opt out of playing against SJSU.
In a controversial turn of events, the Boise State women's volleyball team decided to forfeit its game against San Jose State University on Saturday, September 28th. This move comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding a transgender member of the Spartans' roster.
Just 24 hours before the scheduled Mountain West Conference match, Boise State Athletics released a brief statement exclusively to OutKick, confirming the forfeiture but offering no specific reasons for the decision.
Boise State Volleyball Team Forfeits Game Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy
"Boise State volleyball will not play its scheduled match at San José State on Saturday, Sept. 28," the statement read. "Per Mountain West Conference policy, the Conference will record the match as a forfeit and a loss for Boise State. The Broncos will next compete on Oct. 3 against Air Force."
The NCAA, in response to Boise State's decision, emphasized its commitment to promoting Title IX, investing in women's sports, and ensuring fair competition for all athletes.
Boise State Volleyball Team Forfeits Game Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy
"College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America, and the NCAA members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships," the statement read.
This incident follows a recent lawsuit filed by San Jose State University player Blaire Fleming and several other female athletes against the NCAA. The lawsuit alleges Title IX violations and claims that the NCAA's policies compromise the fairness and integrity of women's sports while potentially putting women at risk.
Boise State Volleyball Team Forfeits Game Against San Jose State Amid Transgender Roster Controversy
Fleming, a transgender athlete who transitioned after playing for Coastal Carolina, has sparked a debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. Some opponents argue that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage due to their biological differences, while advocates maintain that transgender athletes should be allowed to compete as their gender identity.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines praised Boise State's decision to forfeit the match. "Some principles transcend winning on the court, and the safety and well-being of female athletes is one of them," she said. "It's encouraging to witness a growing number of institutions prioritizing fairness and athlete safety over forced inclusion."
In addition to Boise State, Southern Utah also recently opted out of playing against San Jose State during the Santa Clara Tournament earlier this month. Southern Utah's decision was based on concerns about the safety of its players when facing Fleming on the court.
"The Thunderbirds are eager to make the most of these matches and continue building momentum for a successful season," the school said in a statement at the time. "Southern Utah has informed the tournament directors and opposing teams of this decision, and we wish them well with the remainder of their respective seasons."
The Spartans remain undefeated this season with a 9-0 record, with Fleming leading the team in kills in their recent victory over Fresno State.
The controversy surrounding transgender athletes and the appropriate policies for their inclusion in sports is expected to continue, as the NCAA and athletic organizations navigate these complex issues and work towards ensuring fairness and safety for all athletes.
