The University of Nevada, Reno women’s volleyball team held a press conference to address their school’s reluctance to forfeit a match against a team with a transgender player. Despite initially announcing they would play, the players had expressed their desire to forfeit the match weeks earlier. Team captain Sia Liilii broke down in tears while discussing the situation, expressing that the university did not consult with them or consider their feelings. The players’ concerns were dismissed by school officials, who told them to reconsider. The players were also allegedly told to stay quiet about the controversy. Ultimately, Nevada forfeited the match due to a lack of players, becoming the fifth team to do so against San Jose State. This decision highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports, with a San Jose State player involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA over being forced to compete alongside a transgender teammate. The university cited state laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity as a reason they could not forfeit the match earlier. The controversy received national attention as the match was moved to California, and the players faced backlash for their stance. In light of these events, the Nevada players penned an op-ed praising former President Trump for his support of a ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports and expressed their commitment to fighting for fairness in sports.
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