SJSU “disappointed” by Boise State’s decision to forfeit playoff game against trans player

SJSU “disappointed” by Boise State’s decision to forfeit playoff game against trans player

San Jose State University is in the Mountain West finals, but it seems like they wish they had earned their spot on the court.

The Spartans are headed to the championship game after Boise State announced Thursday that it would forfeit its semifinal game due to the controversy surrounding trans player Blaire Fleming.

The Broncos made the announcement shortly after defeating Utah State in the first round of the playoffs. Boise State lost both regular season games to SJSU, while Utah State lost its only game.

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Blaire Fleming nails it

Blaire Fleming, number 3 of the San Jose State Spartans, attacks the net in the first set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

In response to the Broncos’ loss, SJSU said they were “disappointed” by the move.

“This Thanksgiving season, we are especially grateful for those who continue to engage in civil and respectful discourse,” San Jose State’s statement said. “We celebrate and support all of our students, including our student-athletes, who fight for our community this holiday weekend.

“While we are disappointed with Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s game and looking forward to competing for the championship.”

SJSU now awaits the winner of top-seeded Colorado State and No. 5 San Diego State; Neither team lost to them in the regular season.

Blaire Fleming looks on

Blaire Fleming, No. 3 of the San Jose State Spartans, waits to serve in the first set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court in the East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

LIA THOMAS REACTS TO THE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TRANSGENDER CONTROVERSY AT SAN JOSE STATE

Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among the conference teams that canceled games against the Spartans while Fleming was present on the team. They knew the loss would result in a loss of their record, which ultimately helped SJSU secure their high seed.

Earlier this week, federal judge Kato Crews in Colorado, appointed by President Biden in January, denied a request for a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit brought by college volleyball players against the conference seeking to bar Fleming from the tournament and overturn their forfeits .

Blaire Fleming from San Jose State

Blaire Fleming, number 3 of the San Jose State Spartans, reacts during the second set against the Air Force Falcons on Falcon Court in the East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

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A dozen women filed a joint lawsuit against Mountain West and its commissioner, alleging violations of Title IX and their First Amendment rights. The women’s team includes SJSU co-volleyball captain Brooke Slusser and two former Spartans and female athletes other Mountain West schools.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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