Several other women's volleyball teams have forfeited matches against SJSU because of Fleming's presence on the team and the fact that Fleming has spiked a volleyball into an opponent's face on more than one occasion. One of the complaints Batie-Smoose made was Fleming worked with opposing team members to intentionally spike the ball at one of his own teammates.
Now we've learned that SJSU has indefinitely suspended Batie-Smoose:
BREAKING BREAKING. The news on the volleyball women situation is coming out so fast!!
Now the assistant head volleyball coach at San Jose State has been indefinitely suspended for blowing the whistle on what is going on inside the team and filing a title IX complaint!! 1/ pic.twitter.com/xry0hKtQLK
OutKick has learned that San Jose State suspended associate head volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose indefinitely, effective as of Saturday.
The SJSU players were informed prior to the team's match against New Mexico and many of the team members were emotional upon learning of the news, according to sources.
San Jose State said in a statement to OutKick:
'The associate head coach of the San Jose State University women’s volleyball team is not with the team at this time, and we will not provide further information on this matter.'
'We had a match today at 12 p.m. [Pacific Time] versus New Mexico. I was there at 10:15 a.m. [because] we were scheduled to take court at 10:30 for our pass and serve time,' Batie-Smoose recounted.
'I walked into the building and was walking up the stairs to the gym, and I was met by administration, who asked me to step outside [and speak privately].'
At that point, SJSU officials informed Batie-Smoose that she was suspended indefinitely, effective immediately, and forced to turn over her keys and school ID.
She was not allowed to gather her belongings from her office, told to leave campus immediately, and instructed not to return to campus until further notice.
'They said I would have to contact personnel at a later date to get into my office to get any of my belongings,' she said.
Why isn’t Fleming suspended for breaking team rules, conspiring with a rival team by giving the opponent scouting reports, and intentionally endangering a team member? We all know why the assistant coach was suspended and not Fleming
Illegal retaliation by @SJSU. This coach is a hero, now we need some lawyer to make her a millionaire and sue the San Jose women-hating thugs into oblivion! #SaveWomensSports Get MEN out! https://t.co/Qaw7LQbZV7
As always, maybe there's more going on than has been reported. But my instinct is always going to be to support the person who is speaking the obvious truth against an administration clearly determined to lie. https://t.co/EOPkMGUaIv
Employees who file Title IX complaints or are involved in a Title IX complaint as a respondent are also protected against illegal retribution. This kind of action is unfortunately all too commonplace. Unlawful retaliation against employees can take many forms, including:
Rescinding or withholding a promotion
Refusing tenure
Refusing a raise
Demotion or undesirable transfer
Suspension or termination
Harassment
For example, if you are accused of violating a Title IX provision, any action taken by administration or colleagues to derail your career during that proceeding – or after that proceeding if you are found not responsible – may be considered unlawful retaliation.
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So it seems SJSU has violated Title IX law to protect a 'trans' player after Batie-Smoose filed a complaint about the situation.
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