Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE: Former San Jose State University volleyball co-captain Brooke Slusser is now eight months removed from her final season. This season involved a conference investigation into an alleged plot by her former teammate Blaire Fleming, a transgender athlete, to bring harm to Slusser.
Slusser has come forward with additional allegations pertinent to this case. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, she outlined her concerns regarding the investigation’s findings.
In response to Slusser’s claims, San Jose State athletic director Jeff Konya engaged in a brief interview with Fox News Digital. However, he walked away after approximately five minutes of questions, stating, “I’m done.” This abrupt exit has raised further questions about the handling of the investigation.
Previously, Slusser filed a lawsuit, supported by ten other current or former women’s volleyball players, against the Mountain West Conference and representatives of SJSU. The lawsuit alleges that Fleming, along with other teammates, sneaked out of the team hotel before a game against Colorado State on October 3 to consult with an opposing player.
According to the legal filings, a teammate who accompanied Fleming reported a supposed conspiracy involving Fleming and the Colorado State player to orchestrate an attack on Slusser during a match. Allegedly, they planned to spike her in the face.
The lawsuit asserts that those who snuck out witnessed Fleming sharing a scouting report with the Colorado State player, along with an agreement to manipulate the game’s outcome.
In November 2024, the Mountain West Conference launched an investigation into Slusser’s allegations. The inquiry ultimately concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate her claims.
Recently, Slusser revealed that a teammate who participated in the investigation has knowledge of what transpired that night. Fox News Digital has chosen not to disclose the identity of this teammate. Slusser expressed her belief that the evidence provided during the investigation should warrant its reopening.
“People are reporting this happened, directly witnessing the conversation between Blaire and former Colorado State player Malaya Jones. So, in my view, there is substantial evidence that should have been acknowledged by investigators,” Slusser stated.
Unfortunately, Fox News Digital is unable to independently verify Slusser’s claims or the extent of corroboration by her teammate during the investigation.
At the Mountain West media days on July 15, Fox News Digital shared a recording of Slusser outlining these allegations with Konya. When asked about the truthfulness of Slusser’s claims, Konya replied, “I have no idea if she’s telling the truth or not,” although he did not confirm whether any of the witnesses who were interviewed supported the allegations against Fleming.
Public records reviewed by Fox News Digital indicate that Konya coordinated interviews with at least six witnesses involved in the investigation. However, he noted that he had not been privy to the testimonies shared during those interviews.
Upon inquiry regarding his satisfaction with the thoroughness of the investigation, Konya stated, “Yeah, I believe it was done professionally.” He noted that the investigation closed without finding any sufficient evidence to discipline those involved.
In a November 15 letter—obtained by Fox News Digital—the Mountain West confirmed the end of their investigation after determining there was not enough evidence to take action. However, this letter inaccurately recorded the date of the game as October 2 instead of October 3.
When confronted about this error, Konya asserted his unawareness of the repeated inaccuracies regarding the game’s date, despite the discrepancies evident in his email records.
The Mountain West’s ruling arrived just three days after the initial emails setting up witness interviews were sent, raising questions about the investigation’s timeline.
After suffering a concussion in her junior year, Slusser expressed concerns about head injuries and potential long-term effects. Konya acknowledged that he was unaware of Slusser’s injury.
In addition, Konya commented on how the university managed the situation surrounding Fleming in 2024, defending the actions taken by asserting that everyone acted as best as they could under the circumstances.
Fox News Digital previously reported that the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which conducted the investigation into Fleming’s allegations, also represented the Mountain West in a separate matter involving Slusser’s request for a preliminary injunction. This simultaneous legal engagement has sparked controversy over potential conflicts of interest.
In a January 25 motion to dismiss, Fox News Digital obtained a court document revealing that Willkie Farr & Gallagher not only defended the conference against Slusser’s injunction request but is currently defending the conference in her ongoing lawsuit. This overlap raises further ethical questions surrounding the investigation’s integrity.
Following this, Slusser and former SJSU assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose decided against participating in the investigation. Batie-Smoose recalled that a teammate warned Slusser before the Colorado State game about potential danger stemming from a text message received.
Reflecting on the aftermath of her experiences, Slusser described a heightened sense of insecurity during her time at SJSU, claiming she felt unsafe and unsupported by her school.
Her parents echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment with how the situation developed and the lack of resolution in the investigation. Police presence at SJSU games continued throughout the season, a response to the escalating tensions surrounding Slusser and Fleming.
Following the legal battles, Slusser ultimately abandoned the SJSU campus, returning to Texas due to safety concerns and ongoing harassment. Her mother noted that Slusser returned home as a different person, noticeably traumatized by her experience.
In recent developments, Slusser contemplated a return to NCAA volleyball but eventually decided against it after concerns about possible retaliation for her beliefs.
Now living in North Carolina, she continues to engage in her legal battles against the NCAA, the Mountain West, and SJSU representatives. Her attorney criticized the Mountain West’s decision to hire the same firm for both investigatory and defensive roles, calling the practice unethical.
Despite ongoing litigation, the Mountain West and SJSU have refrained from providing specific responses to inquiries about the findings or implications from the investigation. A spokesperson for the Mountain West stated they are unable to comment while litigation is active.
As public scrutiny increases, the implications of this case extend beyond athletics, igniting discussions about the intersection of gender identity, safety, and fairness in collegiate sports.
Affirming Perspectives: As Slusser navigates her post-college life and legal matters, she now emphasizes her commitments to her faith and personal beliefs while seeking justice regarding her experience at SJSU. This case may continue to evolve, offering significant insight into collegiate sports’ future as gender policies come under scrutiny.
