The University of Nevada and its volleyball team locked horns regarding their upcoming game against San José State. While UNR athletics promised to host the Spartans on home turf, the players didn’t agree. “We, the University of Nevada Reno women’s volleyball team, forfeit against San José State University,” declared team captain Sia Liilii. However, after UNR refused to forfeit the game, things have taken yet another turn.

The standoff between the players and the Nevada Athletics Department continues. While the students refused to play against SJSU, Nevada explained that the match would happen if a minimum of six Wolf Pack members took to the court. Yet, despite UNR’s stance and assurance, Virginia Street Gym in Reno will no longer host the match if it happens.

Spokespersons from San José and Nevada spoke to Fox News Digital to announce a venue change. “The Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball match between Nevada and San José State University scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, has been moved from Reno, Nevada, to San José, California,” read a joint statement they sent to Fox News.

Such a last-moment change in venue is nearly unheard of, but something both universities felt they needed to make. “The decision to move the location of the match has been made in the best interest of both programs and the well-being of the student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff, and spectators,” the statement revealed. The Mountain West Conference also approved of the change.

This could be because, despite UNR iterating that forfeiting a match based on “gender identity or expression” does not comply with the Nevada constitution or NCAA and MW volleyball rules, the players did not budge. In fact, attorney Joey Gilbert, who represents many of the Wolf Pack members, dropped another bombshell. “We are carefully considering all legal options,” he told the Nevada Sports Net (NSN). However, there could be an even more pressing reason behind the last-minute decision.

How security avoided a possible disruption during the San José vs. Air Force volleyball game

After a slew of cancellations and three consecutive losses, the SJSU Spartans finally found their stride on October 17 and 19 games against New Mexico and the Air Force, respectively. San José defeated both New Mexico and the Air Force 3-1 in dominant performances. However, things could’ve turned sour during their match at Cadet East Gym, if not for security.

On October 22, OutKick obtained footage from a former Air Force graduate, John Kopecky. The footage captured the audio of Kopecky’s conversation with security personnel. OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske explained that security told a volleyball fan they “could not wear a shirt that read ‘Keep Women’s Sports Female’ during the team’s home game against San José State.”

They found the slogan on the Air Force alumnus’ t-shirt during a check when they told the fan to unzip his sweatshirt. The security personnel explained that the message was “political” and hence not allowed. While Kopecky didn’t pose a threat, the authorities didn’t want to take any risks. The decision to move the venue to San José came after the news of the incident went public.

So it may not be inaccurate to speculate that the incident played a part in Nevada and SJSU’s joint decision. Yet, despite the change in view, there’s no guarantee that fans will witness the Wolf Pack take on the Spartans unless enough UNR players show up.