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Walsh Jennings, Husband to Boycott Beach Volleyball Event

In a post on Facebook, Walsh Jennings wrote that the owners want to change the rules to make volleyball "more compelling."

Four-time Olympic medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings says she is boycotting an event on the AVP domestic beach volleyball tour because of two rule experiments that weren't "honestly or meaningfully" discussed with players beforehand.

Walsh Jennings, of Hermosa Beach, said in a 950-word Facebook post on Wednesday that she and her husband, Casey Jennings, are both skipping the AVP Championships in Chicago this weekend.

Walsh Jennings emphasized in the post she is not boycotting the event because of the rule tests alone, but because the decision to change the rules was made without "honestly or meaningfully discussing it with the Player Committee or the athletes on tour," she wrote.

"In my opinon, this is utterly disrespectful of each and every athlete who virtually pays to work for the sport we all love and it is utterly disrespectful to the game itself," wrote Walsh Jennings.

One rule to be tested would give a server another service attempt if their first one hits the net and falls inbounds, much like on a serve in tennis. Under the current rule, the ball is in play.

The other rule would prevent a team from winning the match unless it is serving.

In her post on Facebook, Walsh Jennings wrote that the owners want to change the rules to make volleyball "more compelling."

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In a second Facebook post Thursday morning, Walsh Jennings wrote, "Just to be crystal clear. I am not at war with the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. We ... are standing up for what We believe is right for the sport and for the athletes."

The post included an email Walsh Jennings sent to "AVP ownership" before she left for Rio, expressing her concerns about the possible rule changes, she wrote.

AVP owner and commissioner Donald Sun did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Jessica Rice contributed to this report.

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