Playboy.com: How did you get kicked off the cross-country team?

Leilani Rios: It all started when the guys from the school's baseball team came to the Flamingo Theater. They recognized me, and the rumors started flying around campus, and they got back to my coach, John Elders. When he found out, he gave me an ultimatum. He told me that I had to choose either work or cross-country, and that he would not allow me to do both.

PB: What was your reaction?

LR: I was shocked. I couldn't believe that I'd get kicked off the team for dancing because it's totally legal.

PB: Did he cite some kind of conduct code?

LR: Yes, everybody on the team had to sign a code of conduct, saying that on and off the field we would represent Cal State Fullerton in a positive way. And he feels that my working as a dancer does not reflect Cal State Fullerton athletics in a positive way. But the funny thing is, he never mentioned the code of conduct when he kicked me off the team. And I even asked him if there were any school rules or grounds for him to kick me off, and he said, "No, it's my choice, and I don't believe what you're doing is right." I think it's because of his religious beliefs that he thinks I'm doing something wrong. [Elders could not be reached for comment, but he issued a written statement saying he felt Rios' conduct reflected badly on her school and teammates. "I determined that Ms. Rios' decision to remain an exotic dancer would detract from the image and accomplishments of her teammates, the athletics department and the University," he said.]

PB: What happened to the guys on the baseball team who showed up at the strip club?

LR: Nothing. I got kicked off for working at a dance club, yet the baseball team came into that very same strip club wearing CSUF gear and nothing happened to them. I'm not saying they should get kicked off the baseball team, I'm just saying it shouldn't be OK for them to go to a strip club, but not OK for me to dance in one. I don't think that's fair.