A San Jose State University (SJSU) women’s volleyball player has joined a lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. Co-captain Brooke Slusser is suing after sharing a team residence with Blaire Fleming, a biological male listed at 6’1’’ on the team roster. Slusser revealed she often had to room with Fleming on trips after he specifically requested her.
Slusser, who transferred to SJSU from Alabama, wasn’t informed a male athlete was on the team. She grew concerned about the safety of her teammates after noticing Fleming’s higher jumps and harder hits, particularly the risk of concussions from his spikes. A Nevada player’s mother, April Chainey, echoed these concerns, stating she feared for female players’ safety when facing Fleming.
In response to backlash, SJSU has limited social media comments and removed Fleming from game highlights. The Southern Utah women’s team even pulled out of a game against SJSU, though it’s unclear if Fleming’s presence was the reason.
The lawsuit calls attention to the physical advantages males have in volleyball, with men’s nets set 7 inches higher than women’s, emphasizing the fairness and safety concerns for female athletes.
