Lawyer William Bock, representing 11 current and former women’s athletes in a lawsuit against San Jose State University (SJSU) and the Mountain West Conference (MWC), has strongly condemned the conference for its dual role in the controversy involving trans athlete Blaire Fleming. Bock criticized the MWC for using the same law firm, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (WFG), both to investigate allegations of misconduct against Fleming and to defend her eligibility in a federal court case. He argued that this arrangement was improper and created a significant conflict of interest, as the firm’s dual role could have prejudiced the investigation in favor of SJSU and the MWC.
The controversy resurfaced when Fox News Digital reported that the MWC hired WFG to investigate Fleming’s alleged involvement in an incident where she was accused of conspiring with an opponent to harm teammate Brooke Slusser. The same firm was also used to represent the conference in a legal battle to keep Fleming eligible for the women’s tournament. The investigation, which lasted only three days, was conducted with apparent missteps, including incorrect dating of the game involved. The WFG attorney in charge of the investigation, Tim Heaphy, later offered legal support to SJSU in a federal Title IX investigation into the same matter, but was declined.
Bock expressed astonishment at the situation, stating that the MWC’s decision to use WFG for both roles suggests a lack of genuine interest in uncovering the truth. He claimed that the MWC was more concerned with pushing a narrative in favor of allowing trans athletes in women’s sports than protecting female athletes. Bock called for the U.S. Department of Education to thoroughly examine the conduct of both the MWC and SJSU, as he believes the evidence shows a coordinated effort to mislead the public and promote a particular ideological stance.
The White House has also weighed in, with a spokesperson stating that President Trump is committed to addressing the issue of men participating in women’s sports and protecting female athletes. The Trump administration has taken steps to enforce policies aimed at preventing such participation and has launched an investigation into SJSU’s handling of the case. Bock, in addition to leading the lawsuit for Slusser, is also part of a larger case against the NCAA led by Riley Gaines, another prominent figure in the debate over trans athletes in women’s sports.
The ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny highlight the broader societal tensions surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in collegiate sports. The situation has sparked debates about the balance between individual rights and the integrity of athletic competitions, with many criticizing the lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of the case. The U.S. Department of Education’s investigation into SJSU and the MWC’s actions is expected to provide further clarity on the matter, but for now, the controversy continues to fuel discussions about the role of institutions in managing such sensitive and complex issues.