University’s Lawyer Comments On Sexual Assault and Allegations Against Football Coach

March 11, 2016 - PRESSADVANTAGE -

AbuseGuardian.com reports on the addition of two more plaintiffs to a lawsuit filed against the University of Tennessee which alleges that the school created a “hostile sexual environment” and violated the regulations of Title IX which prohibits discrimination against a person based on gender. The lawsuit was amended on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

The amended lawsuit alleges that, after a former football player attempted to help an alleged rape victim, who he discovered was assaulted by one of his teammates, the Head Football Coach told the good samaritan that he was disappointed in him and that he had “betrayed the team.” On Wednesday, the coach denied this occurrence. He calls the allegations “false attacks,” and, in a written statement, said: "The assertion that I ever attempted to belittle or demean a young man for taking action to help another person is absolutely false. To the contrary, I did all I could to assist the former student in question." The lawsuit also claims that the football player faced harassment from his teammates over his choice to assist the victim. He later transferred to UT Chattanooga.

The addition of two more women as plaintiffs in the lawsuit now brings the total number of plaintiffs to eight. The lawyer representing the University of Tennessee stated: ”The University has reviewed the amended complaint filed today by the plaintiffs, and we continue to stand by our actions. We will vigorously defend all claims in the amended complaint.”

The lawsuit alleges that the University violated the regulations of Title IX, which is a federal legislation that prohibits discrimination based on gender in any federally funded school or activity. The law was passed in 1972, and, while many people consider it to apply only to athletics, there are several areas that it addresses. The law applies to all elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, activities, and programs affiliated with schools that have federal funding, as well as federally funded educational programs in places such as health care facilities, correctional facilities, and unions. Teachers, coaches, instructors, and faculty must adhere to this legislation, but are protected by it as well.

Attorney Brian Kent understands the difficulties victims of sexual assault face when making a report to the authorities. He and his firm, Laffey Bucci & Kent, are devoted to protecting the dignity, safety, and ongoing security of each client. He comments: “One of the biggest challenges that many survivors of a sexual assault face are confronting the reality of what happened to them.” Kent and his firm sponsor the online resource AbuseGuardian.com and are currently representing several individuals in claims of sexual assault.

For more information, or to ask questions, please contact Brian Kent, Esq. by calling 866-577-2786.

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