Overview
- Melissa Batie-Smoose filed suit last week alleging she was suspended in November 2024 and effectively terminated in January 2025 after submitting a Title IX complaint in October 2024.
- Her lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, reinstatement and back pay, along with injunctive relief to prevent biologically female athletes from having to compete with transgender athletes.
- Former SJSU player Blaire Fleming publicly rebutted the claims, saying any missed practices were due to injury and rejecting allegations of special treatment or misconduct.
- The Mountain West Conference closed its probe on November 15, 2024, citing insufficient evidence regarding an alleged plan to injure teammate Brooke Slusser.
- A U.S. Department of Education inquiry into SJSU’s handling of the 2024 matter opened in early February 2025 and remains ongoing, following a season marked by opponent forfeits and significant roster turnover.