Fleming Responds After Slusser Reveals Eating Disorder and Academic Struggles
EXCLUSIVE Former San Jose State University (SJSU) volleyball player Blaire Fleming has issued comments disputing statements made by ex-teammate Brooke Slusser regarding her health and academic experience during the 2024 season. Slusser, however, firmly rejects Fleming’s assertions.
Slusser Says Emotional Stress Led to Eating Disorder
On the one-year anniversary of their final college match, Slusser told Fox News Digital that she developed an eating disorder during her senior year, which progressed into anorexia and caused her menstrual cycle to stop.
She described the 2024 season marked by controversy surrounding Fleming’s participation on the team as a transgender athlete as a significant source of emotional distress. Slusser later filed lawsuits after learning that she and Fleming had shared changing spaces and hotel rooms during the 2023 season.
Slusser Left Campus Amid Tensions
Slusser said she ultimately withdrew from her final semester at SJSU, citing persistent in-person harassment from students who disagreed with her stance. She and her family said she is still working toward completing her degree.
Fleming Rejects Allegations
Responding to Fox News Digital through social media, Fleming disputed Slusser’s characterization of events, making remarks about Slusser’s eating habits and academic performance.
Slusser refuted Fleming’s claims, stating:
“These statements are just not true. I have always lived a healthy lifestyle… It wasn’t until everything started happening that my habits became unhealthy.”
She also emphasized that she stepped away from school voluntarily “to better myself and heal,” not because she failed courses.
Background Tension Rose After Title IX Controversy
Public attention intensified in 2024 after the disclosure of Fleming’s transgender status and subsequent disputes involving Slusser, former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, and the NCAA.
Slusser joined a lawsuit against the NCAA in 2024, leading to multiple match forfeits by opposing teams and increased national media attention. Security was assigned to players amid heightened tensions, and the issue became part of broader political discourse.
Investigations and Legal Actions
Slusser has also alleged that teammates informed her of a possible plan by an opposing player to intentionally injure her during a match an allegation tied to a Title IX complaint. A Mountain West commissioned third-party investigation found insufficient evidence to issue discipline.
Throughout the season, both Slusser and Fleming continued to play. A federal judge denied a request to rule Fleming ineligible for competition. Both athletes were later named to the Mountain West all-conference team.
Where They Are Now
After the season-ending loss in the 2024 Mountain West championship match, Slusser left campus at her parents’ urging. She later considered transferring to pursue NCAA beach volleyball but ultimately chose not to return to collegiate competition. She has since relocated to North Carolina, where she coaches youth volleyball, and says she has recovered from anorexia.
Fleming reportedly completed remote coursework from Virginia and appeared to celebrate her graduation from SJSU in May.