Current:Home > InvestKentucky spokeswoman: School is ‘distressed’ to hear of alleged sexual misconduct by ex-swim coach-InfoLens
Kentucky spokeswoman: School is ‘distressed’ to hear of alleged sexual misconduct by ex-swim coach
View Date:2024-12-23 10:55:03
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky spokeswoman says the school is “distressed to hear disturbing allegations” of sexual assault by former swimming and diving coach Lars Jorgensen outlined in a lawsuit by two former team members and will cooperate fully with law enforcement.
Former swimmer and assistant coach Briggs Alexander and an unidentified woman filed the suit on Friday in U.S. District Court against Jorgensen, the school and athletic director Mitch Barnhart, alleging sexual assaults including rape by the former coach. The suit also claims the school “purposefully” disregarded multiple credible reports of inappropriate sexual relationships and empowered Jorgensen to “foster a toxic, sexually hostile environment” and prey on, sexually harass, and commit horrific sexual assaults.
A Wednesday release from university spokeswoman Kristi Willet stated that the school contacted law enforcement upon learning details from the initial article reported by The Athletic. It added that no one should be subject to the abuse described in the lawsuit.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and employees,” the release stated. “We have no tolerance for harm, harassment or abuse.
“To our employees, students and the entire University of Kentucky family, we want to be absolutely clear: we do not tolerate these types of behaviors,” the release added. “We will do everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”
The lawsuit also said Jorgensen’s predecessor, Gary Conell, did not follow up after being told of previous alleged misconduct by the coach at Toledo. It also said that Barnhart did not follow up an email about allegations or investigate them and hired Jorgensen; he’s also accused of intentionally concealing the allegations. Barnhart said Sunday that he couldn’t comment on the matter because it is being litigated but noted, “We always want to have safety for our student-athletes, our coaches and our staff.”
___
AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports
veryGood! (6559)
Related
- Will the NBA Cup become a treasured tradition? League hopes so, but it’s too soon to tell
- Pennsylvania governor to deliver budget while seeking money for higher education and public transit
- Trevor Noah defends Taylor Swift in Grammys opening monologue: 'It is so unfair'
- You can order a test to find out your biological age. Is it worth it?
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- Victoria Monét wins best new artist at the Grammys
- Our 2024 Grammys Recap
- How Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Played a Role in Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department Cover
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- Who will run the US House in 2025? Once again, control could tip on California swing districts
Ranking
- Why have wildfires been erupting across the East Coast this fall?
- 2024 Grammys: Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift Prove Feud Rumors Are Old News
- Celine Dion's surprise Grammys appearance gets standing ovation amid health battle
- This 4-year-old's birthday was nearly ruined. Then two police officers stepped in to help.
- Shaun White Reveals How He and Fiancée Nina Dobrev Overcome Struggles in Their Relationship
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, Feb. 4, 2024
- Jacob Elordi Under Police Investigation After Alleged Assault Incident With Radio Producer
- Horoscopes Today, February 4, 2024
Recommendation
-
Certifying this year’s presidential results begins quietly, in contrast to the 2020 election
-
The Skinny Confidential’s Lauryn Bosstick Talks Valentine’s Day Must-Haves for Your Friends and Family
-
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says Senate immigration proposal ends the practice of catch and release
-
How Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Played a Role in Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department Cover
-
Report: Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence could miss rest of season with shoulder injury
-
'Extremely dangerous situation' as flooding, mudslides swamp California: Live updates
-
Joel Embiid to undergo procedure on knee, miss significant time with Philadelphia 76ers
-
Celine Dion's surprise Grammys appearance gets standing ovation amid health battle