Sports
Former SJSU trans volleyball player Blaire Fleming responds to allegations from ex-assistant coach
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EXCLUSIVE: Former San Jose State (SJSU) transgender volleyball player Blaire Fleming responded to Fox News Digital for the first time regarding allegations that emerged from the program’s 2024 scandal.
Fleming addressed recent allegations made by former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, who filed a lawsuit in September against the California State University (CSU) system, as SJSU is one of 23 California-based schools that are part of the system. Batie-Smoose told Fox News Digital that SJSU accommodated Fleming with special exceptions that were not granted to female athletes.
“Not showing up to practice with no excuses, sitting in the stands eating while practice was going on, those kind of things,” Batie-Smoose said of the special exceptions reserved exclusively for Fleming.
SJSU and CSU declined to respond to those allegations.
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Blaire Fleming of the San Jose State Spartans reacts during the second set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
But Fleming responded to Batie-Smoose’s claim and addressed former teammate and co-captain Brooke Slusser.
“The only times I showed up to practice with ‘no excuse’ and sat in the stands was when I was injured and couldn’t play. Brooke Slusser and Melissa need to get a life,” Fleming told Fox News Digital.
Slusser, who played alongside Fleming for two seasons at SJSU from 2023-24, has joined a lawsuit and filed another citing her experience with the trans athlete. Slusser has also joined a lawsuit against the NCAA and filed her own against the Mountain West Conference and representatives of SJSU.
Slusser’s lawsuits brought national attention to the program last year, as the team saw multiple opponents forfeit while her and Fleming were pitted as opposing figures in a major American culture war flashpoint.
The situation even garnered a response from President Donald Trump when he was on the campaign trail last October, calling out a moment when one of Fleming’s spikes hit an opposing San Diego State player during a game, during a Fox News Channel town hall with Harris Faulkner. Regular police protection was assigned to the team in September, and persisted throughout the season.
In addition to Slusser and Batie-Smoose’s lawsuit, SJSU is also currently under a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for its handling of the situation last year. The investigation was launched in early February after Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order.
The team saw a mass exodus of its players after the controversial season ended last December. At least seven of the team’s players with remaining eligibility entered the transfer portal.
This season, SJSU is off to a 6-7 start without Fleming, Slusser and those other transferred players.
Fleming’s college career ended on the final day of November last season, when SJSU lost to Colorado State in the Mountain West Tournament final in Las Vegas. SJSU was playing in the final because the opponent they were meant to face in the semi-final, Boise State, forfeited. Boise State had forfeited two regular season matchups to SJSU that season amid the controversy.
Fleming and Slusser were both named 2024 all-conference honorable mentions, as they anchored one of the best offenses in the Mountain West amid the controversy last year.
The team finished the regular season with the third-best hitting percentage in the conference. Slusser finished with a top 10 individual hitting percentage in the conference, while Fleming was second in the conference in kills per set with a .386.

Brooke Slusser #10 and Blaire Fleming #3 of the San Jose State Spartans call a play during the first set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Both players came to SJSU as transfers years earlier. Slusser transferred from the University of Alabama in 2023, while Fleming transferred from Coastal Carolina a year earlier.
Fleming was previously the centerpiece of the best volleyball team in John Champe High School (in Virginia) history with a historic 19-win season in 2019 – Fleming’s senior year. That year, Fleming was named first-team all-district and set the school’s single-season record for kills in a season with 266. Fleming set the school’s single-game record for kills with 30 against Battlefield High School in September of that year.
Meanwhile, Slusser, a Texas native and devout life-long Christian, earned the 2023 Prep Volleyball All-American honors, 2020 Under Armor All-American honors and All-Region, 2019 District Hitter of the Year honors and was named to the 2019 AVCA Phenom List for Denton Guyer High School and the Texas Advantage Volleyball club team.
Slusser alleged in her lawsuits that SJSU officials hid knowledge of Fleming’s birth sex from her while allegedly frequently pairing the two in the same bedroom on overnight trips. Slusser also alleged Fleming admitted to being a biological male in a conversation with Slusser over ice cream in April 2024.
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“Slusser asked why Fleming had not shared this information with her before, particularly as they had been living together. Fleming responded that there never seemed to be a good time to bring it up, and that he had been afraid that Slusser might not be his friend if Slusser knew the truth. Fleming also said that if Slusser was uncomfortable with it that Fleming would leave the volleyball team,” Slusser’s party wrote in court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
After the 2024 volleyball season, Slusser fled SJSU campus after frequent alleged harassment and threats by other students in response to her speaking out against Fleming and the program the previous Fall. She returned to her parents’ home in Texas to finish the school year remotely, and is now working as a youth volleyball coach in North Carolina.
Fleming celebrated graduation from SJSU in a social media post back in May. In a New York Times story in April, Fleming claimed to have been suicidal during the 2024 season.
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Sports
Transfer rumors, news: Adeyemi would prefer Arsenal move over Man United
Borussia Dortmund‘s Karim Adeyemi prefers a move to Arsenal over Manchester United, while Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is wanted by AC Milan. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
TOP STORIES
– Messi ‘first phone call’ to make for Barcelona presidential candidate
– Sources: Man United rejected Chelsea’s Lavia, Nkunku in Garnacho deal
– Real Madrid striker Mbappé ups PSG compensation claim to $300m
TRENDING RUMORS
– Manchester United are one of the clubs to have discussed Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi with Jorge Mendes, TEAMtalk reports, adding that the 23-year-old favors a move to Arsenal over any other interested club. Adeyemi has a contract that runs until 2027 but could leave before then, and the Germany international is open to making a move to the Premier League as he feels he is well suited to the game in England.
– AC Milan want to sign Robert Lewandowski as a free agent when Barcelona striker’s contract expires in the summer, Tuttosport reports. The Rossoneri believe that the Poland international, 37, can further strengthen a winning mentality that coach Massimiliano Allegri and veteran midfielder Luka Modric have helped to develop. The latter has been so influential that Milan have already decided that they want to take up the option of a one-year renewal of the 40-year-old’s contract.
– Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United are among the clubs actively monitoring the situation of Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown, according to TEAMtalk. The 22-year-old signed a long-term contract that runs until 2030, but the deal includes a gentleman’s agreement or release mechanism that could be activated by clubs in certain European competitions. The exact figure is undisclosed but is estimated to be as much as €55 million.
– Roma are eyeing Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee to strengthen their attack in January, according to Sky Sports Italia reports. The former Bologna player’s five appearances for the Red Devils this season have all been as a substitute, and he has only scored seven goals for the club since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024. However, Roma believe the 24-year-old’s Serie A experience can help them in their title bid — they are level on points with leaders Inter Milan after 11 games this season — while The i Paper reports that Everton and West Ham United are also keen.
– Sunderland‘s Granit Xhaka is a prominent name on Juventus‘ list of targets as the Serie A club looks to strengthen their midfield in January, according to Tuttosport. They had already looked to sign the 33-year-old in the summer but the move fell through. The Bianconeri believe that the Switzerland international’s leadership, technical ability, physicality and tactical intelligence could help them. Even so, it is uncertain whether they can agree a deal with the Black Cats with €15m potentially being required.
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Matty Cash praises Robert Lewandowski ahead of Poland’s World Cup qualifiers.
OTHER RUMORS
– Napoli continue to look at Kobbie Mainoo with Manchester United only willing to let the midfielder leave on loan. (Calciomercato)
– Chelsea will face competition from Juventus for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose contract expires at the end of the season. (Football Insider)
– Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Aston Villa, has held meaningful discussions with representatives from Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas. (Ekrem Konur)
– Borussia Dortmund have joined Manchester United in the race to sign 16-year-old AIK striker Kevin Filling. There is no agreement with any club but he could move in the winter window. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Barcelona have submitted an offer worth between €25m and €30m for Vasco da Gama winger Rayan. (Ekrem Konur)
– Brighton & Hove Albion is one of the Premier League clubs who could try to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García in January. (Daily Mail)
– AC Milan could look to sign a striker in January unless Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku improve, and West Ham United’s Niclas Füllkrug is being evaluated. (Corriere dello Sport)
– AFC Bournemouth are exploring a move for Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, who is valued at £20m and has received interest from other Premier League clubs including Arsenal. (Daily Mail)
– Aston Villa are willing to accept offers for Emiliano Martínez in January and are exploring alternative goalkeeper options. (Football Insider)
– Arsenal are stepping up their interest in twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle. (Daily Mail)
– Leeds United are open to letting Willy Gnonto leave in January if they receive a suitable offer, as they want to make reinforcements of their own. (TEAMtalk)
– Udinese will request €40m for Arthur Atta and don’t want the midfielder to leave during the winter window despite interest from clubs in Serie A and abroad. (Nicolò Schira)
– Tommaso Baldanzi‘s agent has held a positive meeting with Hellas Verona, who have re-opened talks to sign the Roma attacking midfielder on loan with an option to make the deal permanent. (Nicolò Schira)
– The prospect of Luis Henrique leaving Inter Milan in January can’t be ruled out. (Tuttosport)
Sports
Arshad Nadeem Clinches Gold medal at 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games – SUCH TV
In a spectacular display of skill and dominance, Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem captured the gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 in Riyadh, successfully defending his previous title and reinforcing his status as a national hero.
The competition, held at the renowned Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, highlighted Arshad’s exceptional talent as he outperformed a field of seven athletes, including fellow Pakistani Yasir Sultan, who claimed a well-earned silver medal.
The javelin final quickly became one of the standout events of the Games, with Arshad and Yasir entering as the leading contenders based on their season-best throws.
Arshad, coming off his Olympic gold victory, delivered a remarkable performance, recording a winning throw of 83.05 meters on his second attempt out of six.
This throw not only secured him the gold but also demonstrated his consistency and composure under pressure.
Yasir Sultan, who had previously won bronze at the 2023 Asian Championships, complemented Arshad’s triumph with a silver, giving Pakistan a one-two finish in the event.
Their impressive performances highlighted Pakistan’s growing strength in athletics, particularly in field events like the javelin.
Another Pakistani competitor, Salman Iqbal Butt, also participated but did not reach the podium in this highly competitive final.
The Islamic Solidarity Games 2025, which bring together athletes from Muslim-majority nations, have once again provided a dynamic platform for both emerging talents and established stars to showcase their abilities.
Arshad Nadeem’s gold adds to his illustrious collection, inspiring young athletes across Pakistan and beyond. As the games continue in Riyadh, fans are eagerly anticipating more medals from the Pakistani contingent.
This triumph serves as a testament to the rigorous training and dedication of Pakistan’s track and field athletes, positioning them strongly for future international competitions.
Sports
The running man: Josh Allen on cusp of QB history
Josh Allen recorded a season-high three rushing touchdowns — and three passing TDs, for good measure — in the Buffalo Bills‘ 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, giving him 75 for his career.
Only three times in NFL history, including the postseason, has a quarterback had three passing and three rushing touchdowns in a game. Allen has done it twice (last year in a Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams), and Otto Graham did it once in 1954.
Now in his eighth season, Allen is tied with Cam Newton for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history. One more, and the record is his alone.
However, Allen’s Week 12 opponent, the Houston Texans, is one of three teams to not allow a rushing score to an opposing quarterback this season (the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts are the others). Allen is -120 to score a touchdown Thursday night.
So, will he break the record in Week 12? Or will we have to wait? We asked our betting analysts for their predictions.
Will he break the record against the Texans?
Matt Bowen: Yes. Allen’s rushing usage in the low red zone is up, as he has five goal-to-go carries over his past three games. Look for that to continue Thursday, with Allen being deployed on designed run concepts in scoring position versus the Texans.
Eric Karabell: Yes, he will score. Sure, the Texans play strong defense. Allen can’t be defended at the goal line.
Pamela Maldonado: Yes. When Houston locks down the pass near the goal line, Allen is usually a run-it-in-himself kind of guy.
Seth Walder: Yes. Allen is always a threat to score, but he might need to rely on his scrambling ability more than usual against the elite Texans pass rush that could get after him in a hurry. Plus, it’s already high-leverage season for the Bills — who still have a shot at the No. 1 seed if they can go on a run — so they need every lever available to get a win, including relying on Allen’s legs.
Buffalo’s remaining schedule after Thursday’s game: @PIT, CIN, @NE, @CLE, PHI, NYJ
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