Nevada college threatened its volleyball players with legal action if they didn’t play trans competitor: ‘Emotional blackmail’
A former Nevada college volleyball player’s mother is experiencing significant emotional distress following what she describes as “emotional blackmail” by the university, compelling players to compete against an opponent with a transgender athlete. The situation has ignited a debate over fairness and athlete safety in collegiate sports.
The Dispute at the University of Nevada-Reno
According to April Chainey, the mother of a former University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) volleyball player, the school reprimanded its team for initially expressing reluctance to play against San Jose State University (SJSU). Chainey stated, as reported by Fox News Digital, that the team was informed they would be required to play despite their concerns. The core of the issue centers around Blaire Fleming, a transgender player on the SJSU volleyball team.
A meeting between UNR officials and the volleyball team took place without the presence of a Title IX officer, according to Chainey. This occurred after other schools had already forfeited matches against SJSU. Chainey has since filed a Title IX complaint with the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights, expressing her “disgust” with the university’s handling of the situation.
Concerns Over Intimidation and Fairness
Chainey alleges that the UNR Athletics Department discriminated against the players by not offering a Title IX officer to be present during the meeting. She believes the team’s concerns were dismissed because they didn’t align with what she termed the “NCAA gender ideology agenda.” Former NCAA swimmer and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), Marshi Smith, echoed these concerns, stating there was “sweeping intimidation” to prevent the UNR team from standing their ground.
Smith described tactics ranging from “emotional blackmail” to “insinuation that legal disputes could be brought,” adding that the threat of legal action, even without specifics, was a serious form of pressure. UNR officials reportedly raised the prospect of “legal issues” if they did not play SJSU.
Sia Liilii, a former captain of the UNR women’s volleyball team, claimed the school “gaslit” the team by urging them to accept what they were told as “facts.” UNR officials stated that Fleming was on estrogen and testosterone blockers and therefore had “no advantage.”
Impact and Aftermath
The situation culminated in UNR forfeiting its match against SJSU, though not explicitly due to the presence of Fleming. The team lacked sufficient players to compete after being given what was described as a “no-consequences out” for not playing. Following the forfeit, UNR lost seven of its next eight games, finishing the season with a 12-17 record. SJSU, with Fleming on the roster, concluded its 2024 season with a 14-7 record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the University of Nevada-Reno to require its volleyball team to play San Jose State University?
According to April Chainey, the team was informed they would play after expressing their desire not to compete against SJSU’s Blaire Fleming, a transgender player.
Was a Title IX officer present during the meeting between UNR officials and the volleyball team?
No, a Title IX officer was not present during the meeting, according to April Chainey.
What was the outcome of the match between UNR and SJSU?
UNR forfeited the match against SJSU, but not specifically because of the transgender player. The team did not have enough players available to compete after being given a no-consequences out for not playing Fleming.
As investigations and potential legal challenges unfold, will collegiate athletic programs reassess their policies regarding transgender athlete participation and the support provided to athletes with concerns about fairness and safety?