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

Nov 18, 2024, 3:30 PM

Top Utah leaders have asked Utah State University to intervene on behalf of a women's volleyball pl...

Top Utah leaders have asked Utah State University to intervene on behalf of a women's volleyball player who is suing the Mountain West Conference to prevent a San Jose State player from participating in the conference tournament this month. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

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.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Freshly-made pennies sit in a bin at the U.S. Mint in Denver on Aug. 15, 2007....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producion.

2 hours ago

The U.S. Capitol is seen, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

3 hours ago

FILE: The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (Laura Seitz,...

Mariah Maynes

Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

Utah Anglers Coalition is set to host a day highlighting Utah fishing at the state capitol.

14 hours ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

JILL COLVIN Associated Press

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow. “Yeah it is,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier when asked whether his talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing” — as Canadian Prime […]

15 hours ago

This photo provided by Bud Light shows Bud Light's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot.  ( Bud Light ...

Mariah Maynes

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Most of the commercials airing during this year's Super Bowl are going for laughs, with advertisers betting that America could use a little break.

16 hours ago

Kansas City Chiefs fan Rose Loftus, 9, from Dallas, ties her hair while wearing a Taylor Swift frie...

DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Taylor Swift makes her Super Bowl return to watch Travis Kelce and his Chiefs face the Eagles

Taylor Swift was spotted in a Superdome suite about 90 minutes before the 2025 Super Bowl kickoff.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

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