The Utah State Aggies women’s volleyball team has decided not to participate in a scheduled match against San Jose State University due to a transgender male player, Blaire Fleming, competing on the women’s team. This decision has led to four teams, including Southern Utah, Boise State, and the University of Wyoming, forfeiting matches with SJSU. The NCAA defends its policies regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s sports, but female athletes, including former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, are suing the organization over fairness concerns.
Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Mike Schultz praised Utah State and Southern Utah for taking a stand for women’s sports, while Macy Petty, a Concerned Women of America legislative assistant and NCAA volleyball player, expressed frustration over the lack of information provided to female athletes about transgender players on opposing teams. San Jose State player Brooke Slusser, who roomed with Fleming, is part of the lawsuit against the NCAA and claimed that Fleming’s hits were faster and more powerful than anything she had seen from a female player.
The controversy surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports continues to be a contentious issue, with athletes, lawmakers, and advocacy groups voicing differing opinions on the matter. The NCAA, Utah State, and San Jose State will now have to navigate the fallout of these events and work towards finding a resolution that ensures fair competition for all student-athletes.
Source
Photo credit www.foxnews.com