San Jose State University has been made aware of the recent exodus of large numbers of volleyball players entering the transfer portal after a season filled with controversy involving transgender athletes on the team.
The university released a statement to Fox News Digital expressing “respect” for the latest group of players who chose to transfer. “Student athletes have the ability to make decisions about their college athletic careers. And we have the utmost respect for that,” the statement said.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that seven of the team’s players have entered the transfer portal.
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In an article detailing the San Jose State University Spartans transgender athlete scandal, new york times Calling the biological female athletes on the team that “non-transgender woman” (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Seven transfer players will leave the team after the season ends. This includes eight lost matches. Regular police protection national inspection and internal turmoil between players and coaches. One player also received threats of bodily harm amid the conflict.
Head coach Todd Kress also talked about how the 2024 season was one of the “toughest things” of his life. after the team lost in the conference finals to Colorado in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“This has been one of the most difficult seasons I have ever experienced. And I know this is also true for many of our players and staff who have supported us throughout. Maintaining our focus on the field and building overall confidence. The safety and well-being of my players amid all the outside noise is my number one priority,” Kress said.
Blair Fleming, a transgender player, is ineligible after completing her fourth collegiate season in 2024. The team’s season ended in the Mountain West Conference championship game after advancing to the title game by virtue of a forfeit. from Boise State in the semifinals. Boise State previously lost two regular season games to San Jose State amid a dispute involving Fleming, accounting for three of the seven conference wins. From losing this year
A loss to Colorado State in the conference finals ended the season and prevented the conflict from creeping into the NCAA tournament. The loss effectively ended Fleming’s collegiate career.
In September, co-captain Brooke Slusser joined a lawsuit against the NCAA alleging that the program withheld knowledge of Fleming’s biological gender from her and other players on the team. Slusser alleged that she was made to share a changing area and bedroom. with Fleming, not knowing that Fleming was born male.
Slusser, along with several other players in the Mountain West, filed separate lawsuits against the conference and San Jose State in November over Fleming’s appearance. The lawsuit included testimony from former San State volleyball players. Jose Alyssa Sugai and Elle Patterson accused them of being sent to receive scholarships to support Fleming.
The lawsuit also alleges San Jose State players discussed an alleged plan by Fleming to have Slusser spiked with a volleyball in a game against Colorado State on Oct. 1. C. 3. Slusser was not stabbed in the face in that game. And an investigation by the Mountain West concluded without finding sufficient evidence of the alleged scheme.
SJSU transgender volleyball scandal: Timeline of allegations political impact and a fierce cultural movement
Assistant coach Melissa Baty-Samous was suspended by the program in early November. This after she filed a Title IX complaint against the university for showing favoritism towards Fleming over other players, especially Slusser. Batie-Smoose’s complaint also includes allegations about Fleming’s plan to stab Slusser in the face.
Slusser previously told Fox News Digital that Batie-Smoose’s firing had a severe impact on the team’s morale.
“After we found out that she had been released, Many of the team collapsed and were quite shocked. And even one of my teammates was like, ‘I don’t feel safe anymore’ because there was no one. Now we feel like we can go talk about our true concerns or feelings. and being able to speak freely in person,” Slusser said.
Slusser added that she and other players Loss of trust in the coach Including Head Coach Kress.
“You can’t really say how you feel without them trying to hide it or act like it’s okay. With Melissa, you can talk about how you’re feeling. And she can comfort you and validate your feelings and at least make You feel heard compared to other coaches,” Slusser said.
Kress also blamed the team’s loss for sparking the reaction against his team. Because each loss brings more controversy and media attention.
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San Jose State Spartans players look on before the game against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court at East Gym on Oct. 10, September 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo of Andrew Wavers/Getty)
“Sadly, others who have played on the same team for many years without any incident Choose not to play with us this season. To be clear, it is We didn’t celebrate a victory by losing a single game. But we are ready to face the impact. Each announcement of a forfeit was shocking. Hateful messages that individuals choose to send are directed to student athletes. Our coaching staff and many others involved in our project.”
However, these issues didn’t stop the players from at least enjoying their final trip as the San Jose State Spartans for most of them.
Slusser previously told Fox News Digital that the team went out to see a magic show together when they traveled to Las Vegas for the Mountain West tournament and even shared a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The team was together at the team hotel while ordering takeout from a local restaurant with several of them, families.
However, that was not enough to retain the seven players who entered the transfer portal attached to the program. Because the team will face major roster turnover. Because it looks like it will recover on the field and in reputation in 2025.
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