The SJSU Volleyball team is finally back to their winning ways. After two cancellations and losing three in a row, the Spartans clawed their way back after defeating New Mexico on October 17. The very next day, Air Force also fell to San Jose. However, things might not have gone so smoothly for the Spartans unless it was for stadium security at Cadet East Gym.

OutKick “Writer, reporter & content creator,” Dan Zaksheske, posted exclusive footage from an incident that happened on Saturday at Air Force Volleyball’s home ground. The incident involved Air Force graduate John Kopecky and security personnel at the stadium. The video captured security requesting Kopecky to unzip his sweatshirt to reveal what he wore underneath.

However, they told the fan he couldn’t even after reading the slogan on his t-shirt. “OutKick obtained exclusive footage of an Air Force graduate being told he could not wear a shirt that read ‘Keep Women’s Sports Female’ during the team’s home game against San Jose State, which has transgender player Blaire Fleming,” explained Zaksheske.

While the volleyball didn’t pose a threat to the players, the security stopped him, citing the slogan as “political.” Although Kopecky protested, the personnel told him that it wasn’t allowed. The former Air Force graduate explained that this was the first time he had had such an encounter. “They’ve never made me unzip a hoody to get in before, so that was unusual,” the individual told OutKick.

However, there was a good reason why security went the extra mile to eliminate any possible disruption for Saturday’s game. That’s because the Blaire Fleming controversy has put SJSU Volleyball under the lens since early September. So far, four universities have forfeited their matches against San Jose. Meanwhile, players from the University of Nevada have refused to face SJSU on October 26.

While UNR’s athletic department plans to play against the Spartans, the majority of players do not. The Nevada players have even considered taking legal action. Hence, it’s not surprising to see why the security at Cadet East was extra careful. In fact, the controversy surrounding Blaire Fleming intensified right after SJSU’s first clash with New Mexico.

Riley Gaines takes another shot at the SJSU volleyball athlete

You could trace the origins of the controversy that’s made national headlines to one tweet from Riley Gains. While murmurs about San Jose’s Blaire Fleming had already started, Gaines’ post in September ignited a flame. The former NCAA swimmer accused SJSU of hiding the fact that Fleming was a trained athlete. The 27-year-old also said that such actions were “unfair” and “dangerous” for the women on the court.

Southern Utah Volleyball forfeited their match against SJSU shortly after Gaines’ post on X. Since then, things have only spiraled out of control for the Spartans. Even Fleming’s teammate Brooke Slusser took legal action. Slusser joined the Title IX lawsuit that Riley Gaines filed in May 2024 against the NCAA. The Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week also cited safety concerns. And on October 17, something transpired that Gaines couldn’t help but point out.

During SJSU Volleyball’s match against New Mexico, one of Fleming’s high-flying kills hit an opponent square in the face. The hit also momentarily floored the New Mexico player. “If you’re wondering why teams are forfeiting against @SJSU, here’s the reason.” Gaines wrote on X. Gaines once again called it “unfair, unsafe” for those facing Fleming on the court.

However, despite the controversy, the security personnel at the Air Force Academy ensured an undisrupted match. And while SJSU could very well be staring at another forfeiture against UNR, these two victories have undoubtedly boosted their morale.