Gov. Cox, others, ask USU to intervene in athlete’s lawsuit over volleyball player

SALT LAKE CITY — Top Utah leaders have asked Utah State University to intervene on behalf of a USU women’s volleyball player involved in a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference. The lawsuit seeks to prevent a San Jose State University player from participating in the conference tournament later this month.

Eleven college volleyball players — USU’s Kaylie Ray included — filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Colorado last week. They want a San Jose State player to be declared ineligible for the Mountain West Conference tournament, which begins Nov. 27 in Las Vegas. The lawsuit alleges that the student-athlete is transgender and was born a male.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, state House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams — all Republicans — weighed in on the issue Monday. In a joint statement, they asked USU to get involved in the litigation that they say will protect fairness in women’s sports.

“Female athletes deserve the right to a safe playing field, fair competition and equal opportunities,” the three said. “By intervening, Utah will send a clear message that these rights are non-negotiable. The NCAA, Mountain West Conference and other institutions across the nation have failed to take action, thereby undermining vital protections and putting female athletes at risk. We will continue to defend our female athletes and the integrity of our athletic programs.”

Please read the complete story and more from Bridger Beal-Cvetko at KSL.com.