A judge handed down the verdict on Monday San Jose State Transgender women’s volleyball player Blair Fleming will be allowed to play for the Spartans in the Mountain West Conference tournament as well as the rest of the season.
Federal Judge Kato Crews in Colorado, who was appointed by President Biden in January, denied a motion for injunctive relief in a lawsuit by college volleyball players against the conference. per out kick.
The news prompted some backlash on social media, including from women’s sports activist Riley Gaines.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Blair Fleming, a redshirt senior at San Jose State University, plays as an outside and right-side hitter on the women’s volleyball team. (San Jose State University/File)
“A federal judge just ruled in favor of a male player who has been injuring defenseless women in volleyball for years,” Gaines tweeted. “It is time to remove activist judges who refuse to uphold the law as it was intended.”
More X users posted on their accounts to express their displeasure at the decision.
“Not that there are enough people left to stand up for what’s right, but I’d love to see all the teams boycott the tournament,” one user posted. “This must end.”
Another added, “What a joke. We are literally living in an upside down clown world.”
A dozen women jointly filed a lawsuit against Mountain West and its commissioner, alleging violations of Title IX and their First Amendment rights. The women include SJSU volleyball co-captain Brooke Silser and two former Spartans as well as athletes. Other Mountain West schools.
However, staff wrote that the plaintiffs’ emergency delay request was “not reasonable” and would “risk confusion and add months of planning and, at a minimum, to (San Jose State) and the tournament participants.” There will be prejudice against other teams.”
“The movants have failed to meet their burden as to irreparable harm, the possibility of success on the merits, or the balance of damages or equity in their favor. I am,” Crews wrote in his decision.
San Jose State’s Blair Fleming is shown during a game against Air Force on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Andrew Weavers/Getty Images)
The players wanted to win their loss for refusing to play against Fleming and the Spartans backed out, which would, in turn, change the standings in the tournament. They also wanted Fleming banned from the tournament.
Instead, Crews’ ruling allows Fleming to play for the Spartans, who are the No. 2 seed and have a first-round bye.
Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada were among conference teams that canceled games against the Spartans because of Fleming’s presence on the team. They knew the forfeit would hurt their record, which ultimately helped SJSU secure its top seed.
“San Jose State University will continue to support its student-athletes and reject any form of discrimination. All San Jose State University student-athletes are eligible to participate in their sports under NCAA and Mountain West Conference rules. are,” the school said in a statement. To Fox News Digital.
“We are pleased that the court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change these rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West Volleyball Tournament this week.”
San Jose State’s Blair Fleming is shown during a game against Air Force on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Andrew Weavers/Getty Images)
Fleming has been a star for the Spartans in matches played this season, averaging 3.86 kills per serve, which ranks third in the Mountain West.
Click here to get the Fox News app.
Looking ahead to the tournament, one of the four teams to lose against SJSU this season is guaranteed to face them in the semifinals, as Utah State and Boise State are set to meet in the quarterfinals.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital. Sports coverage on X And subscribe. Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.