It all started with the University of Nevada, Reno, assuring they would play against the SJSU Spartans on October 26. It wasn’t long before majority of the UNR volleyball team voted to forfeit the match against San Jose State, whose roster is believed to have a transgender woman. Things have spiraled out of control since with one of the main highlights being Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) coming out in full support of the Pack.

The Nevada Wolf Pack captain, Sia Liilii, made a formal public announcement on Monday via OutKick: “We wouldn’t participate in a game that advances sex-based discrimination or injustice against female athletes.” Considering the Wolf Pack became the fifth team to forfeit their match against SJSU, Liilii and co. have laid bare the disagreements from the very start, unlike the preceding four teams who only offered vague statements on the decision. However, a silent standoff started when UNR responded that the University would seek to compete in their scheduled match.

So, on the same day, the President of the University of Nevada, Brian Sandoval, cited the Nevada Constitution and First Amendment right to free expression, claiming it would be illegal to refuse to play against the Spartans.

“I wish to give added emphasis to what was stated on Oct. 13 by the University, that any member of the women’s Wolf Pack volleyball team may opt out of participating in the match on the day of the contest without consequence,” Sandoval’s statement from Nevada Sports Net read.

“No volleyball team member will be subjected to any team disciplinary action for deciding not to participate in the match. The University made the decision not to declare a forfeiture and move forward with hosting the match as scheduled based on several factors. As a public university, the University is legally prohibited by Section 24 of the Nevada Constitution and other laws and regulations to declare a forfeit for reasons related to gender identity or expression.”

The university, who said it wouldn’t penalize any players who refused to play, stressed that the contest would take place as scheduled if a minimum of six Wolf Pack members agreed to step on the court against the Spartans. Yet the student-athletes seem determined in their decision. “We are carefully considering all legal options,” lawyer Joey Gilbert, who represents several UNR volleyball team members, told Nevada Sports Net (NSN) and KRNV.

“These athletes have expressed legitimate concerns about the fairness and physical risks of competing against a transgender player from San Jose State University,” Gilbert added in his statement.  Gilbert was also seen attending the Wolf Pack’s home match against Utah State on Tuesday along with GOP Senate hopeful Sam Brown (R). The camaraderie was evident as Gilbert, a former UNR alum and former Wolf Pack championship-winning boxer who has been closely working with the legal team of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, embraced a number of Nevada players during and after the game. How has the admin responded to this news so far?

A UNR spokesperson wrote back to NSN via email, saying, “We are unaware of any complaint filed against the University by Mr. Gilbert.”

Gaines was among the first people to claim that SJSU’s Blaire Fleming was a transgender athlete. The former Kentucky State swimmer also filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, citing a Title IX violation. “We believe that the policies of the NCAA, the Mountain West Conference, and San Jose State University may violate Title IX,” he added.

“We are currently assessing potential legal action against these organizations,” Gilbert told NSN. A UNR spokesperson clarified that they have not yet received any legal complaints. However, the issue could have far-reaching effects for both volleyball teams.

A match that could affect the season prospects for both Nevada and SJSU volleyball

Individuals such as Riley Gaines have voiced their support for the Wolf Pack on social media. “Incredibly proud of these girls,” Gaines wrote on X. However, the forfeiture could prove costly for both teams. With an 11-9 record, the Wolf Pack is currently in sixth place on the table. Their Mountain West Conference record stands at an even 4-4.

However, unlike most other teams, the girls of the Nevada Volleyball team are scheduled to face SJSU only once. So with a not-so-stellar record in the MW conference and only 11 teams making it to the tournament phase, forfeiting the match could affect the Wolf Pack’s chances. Meanwhile, San Jose State is in dire straits. After starting the season with a 9-0 undefeated streak, their momentum has come to a standstill.

Among the four teams that have forfeited their matches, three are in the MWC. Hence, the Spartans currently have a 2-3 record in the conference. A fifth cancellation would be yet another blow. Unfortunately for the SJSU volleyball players, these cancellations have dented their morale. “I’m more worried about our student-athletes and what they receive and how that’s impacting their mental health,” Spartans coach Todd Kress told The National Desk last week. With things taking yet another turn toward legal proceedings at UNR, the future looks murky for SJSU.