A judge ruled Monday that Blair Fleming, a transgender San Jose State volleyball player, Will be allowed to play for the Spartans in the Mountain West Conference tournament, including the remainder of the season.
Federal Judge Kato Crews in Colorado, appointed by President Biden in January. Denied motion for injunctive relief in lawsuit by college volleyball players against conference. Continuing the outkick–
The news sparked a backlash on social media. Including women’s sports activist Riley Gaines.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Blair Fleming, redshirt senior at San Jose State University Plays as both outside and right hitter on the women’s volleyball team. (San Jose State University/File)
“A federal judge ruled in favor of a male athlete who assaulted defenseless women in volleyball for years,” Gaines tweeted. “It is time to remove the activist judge who refused to Uphold the law as intended.”
More X users posted on their accounts to express their dissatisfaction with the ruling.
“It’s not like there aren’t enough people left to stand up for what’s right. But I would like to see all the teams boycott the tournament,” one user posted. “This must end.”
SJSU women’s volleyball player TRANS BLAIRE FLEMING has been given the green light to play in the conference tournament.
Another person added: “It’s really funny. We are living in an upside-down clown world.”
Dozens of women have joined together to file a lawsuit against the Mountain West and the commission. It alleges violations of Title IX and First Amendment rights. Among those women are Brooke Slusser, co-captain of SJSU’s volleyball team, and two former Spartans, as well as athletes from other schools in the Mountain West.
However, Crews wrote that the plaintiffs’ request was for an emergency delay. It “doesn’t make sense” and “could risk confusion and delay months of planning.” And it will have a negative impact on at least (San Jose State) and the other teams participating in the tournament.”
“The activists failed to meet their burden of showing irreparable harm. Tendency to succeed in virtue or the balance of damages or equity is in their favor,” Crews wrote in his decision.
Blair Fleming of San Jose State performs during the game against Air Force Oct. 1, Sept. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Photo of Andrew Wavers/Getty)
Players wanted the forfeit for refusing to play with Fleming and the Spartans delisted. which in turn will change the ranking in the tournament. They also wanted Fleming banned from competing.
Instead, Crews’ ruling allowed Fleming to play for the Spartans, who were a No. 2 seed and had already received a first-round bye.
Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams to cancel games against the Spartans due to Fleming being on the team. They realize that forfeiture will result in loss of records. This ultimately helped SJSU maintain its high position.
“San Jose State University will continue to support student athletes and reject discrimination in any form. All San Jose State University student-athletes are eligible to participate in their respective sports under the rules of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference,” the school said in a statement. to Fox News Digital
“We are pleased that the court rejected the eleventh hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West Volleyball Tournament this week.”
Blair Fleming of San Jose State performs during the game against Air Force Oct. 1, Sept. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Photo of Andrew Wavers/Getty)
Fleming has been a star for the Spartans in matches played this season, averaging 3.86 kills per serve. which ranks third in the western mountain region.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Looking ahead to the tournament One of four teams to lose to SJSU this season is guaranteed to face them in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Utah State and Boise State are set to face off in the quarterfinals.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s Sports coverage on and apply for membership Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter–
