Boise State, based in Idaho, withdrew from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday night, despite securing a spot in the semi-finals, to avoid the San Jose State University Spartans who allegedly have a transgender player named Blaire Fleming. It has not been confirmed whether Fleming is trans. Boise State has boycotted regular season matches against the Spartans twice before.
In fact, the Spartans have received six forfeit victories due to boycotts from other Mountain West opponents. Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, Nevada and Southern Utah cancelled games this season against the Spartans. They are ranked second in the tournament and received a first-round bye - the preferential status of a team that is automatically advanced to the next round of a tournament without having to play an opponent in an early round.
Nevada stated that they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes.”
Boise State voiced: “The decision to not continue to play in the 2024 Mountain West Volleyball Championship tournament was not an easy one. Our team overcame forfeitures to earn a spot in the tournament field and fought for the win over Utah State in the first round on Wednesday. They should not have to forgo this opportunity while waiting for a more thoughtful and better system that serves all athletes.”
By forfeiting, the Boise State Broncos have ended their hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA is yet to comment, but they may be forced to if the Spartans win on Saturday.
Following Boise State’s third boycott, the Spartans will advance to Saturday’s champion ship match, they did not have to take to the court today. San Jose State will play either top-seeded Colorado State or San Diego State which is ranked 5th. Both teams played the Spartans this season.
The Mountain West Conference stated: “Decisions to forfeit matches are at the institutions' discretion and are considered a loss. San José State will advance to the MW Women’s Volleyball Championship final.”
Idaho governor Brad Little signed an executive order called the Defending Women’s Sports Act that challenges how Title IX rules, which ensure that men and women are treated fairly in educational settings, including collegiate sports, are interpreted in that state.
Little voiced that: “Biological males – men and boys – have physical differences that give them an unfair advantage when competing with women and girls in athletics.”
A lawsuit was recently filed in Colorado by players from various schools against the Mountain West Conference. However, U.S. magistrate judge S Kato Crews ruled that the player is allowed to play, and a federal appeals court upheld the decision.
