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University of Kentucky Responds to Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former Swim Coach
In a recent report by bleacherreport.com, the University of Kentucky has reacted to disturbing allegations of sexual assault against former swimming and diving coach Lars Jorgensen. According to sources, a spokeswoman for the university expressed distress over the allegations, following a lawsuit filed by two former members of the Wildcats swimming and diving team, as reported by The Athletic’s Katie Strang.
The athletes allege that the university displayed complicity and deliberate indifference toward Jorgensen, allowing him to create a toxic environment within the swim program. This environment allegedly enabled Jorgensen to engage in sexual harassment, assaults, and violent rapes against young female coaches and collegiate athletes.
Kentucky spokeswoman Kristi Willett stated that the university contacted law enforcement upon learning of the allegations and emphasized the university’s zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. However, Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart declined to comment on the matter due to ongoing litigation.
The report also revealed instances where allegations against Jorgensen came to light, with some Kentucky administrators being contacted directly. Jorgensen resigned from his position with the Wildcats last June after being suspended with pay, receiving a financial settlement as part of his departure.
Attorney Greg Anderson, representing Jorgensen, denied the allegations on behalf of his client, claiming that Jorgensen is being targeted for his support of former UK swimmer Riley Gaines, who sued the NCAA over its policies toward transgender athletes.
Summary:
The University of Kentucky has found itself at the center of controversy following disturbing allegations of sexual assault against former swimming and diving coach Lars Jorgensen. The allegations surfaced after a lawsuit was filed by two former members of the Wildcats swimming and diving team, as reported by The Athletic’s Katie Strang.
The lawsuit alleges that the university exhibited complicity and deliberate indifference toward Jorgensen’s alleged misconduct, allowing him to create a toxic and sexually hostile environment within the swim program. The athletes claim that Jorgensen preyed on young female coaches and collegiate athletes, engaging in sexual harassment, assaults, and violent rapes.
Kentucky spokeswoman Kristi Willett responded to the allegations by stating that the university promptly contacted law enforcement upon learning of the accusations. She emphasized the university’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for harm, harassment, or abuse. However, Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart refrained from commenting on the matter due to ongoing litigation.
Instances of allegations against Jorgensen came to light through various channels, including direct contact with Kentucky administrators. These allegations spanned several years, with concerns raised as early as 2012 when an assistant swimming coach at Toledo informed Kentucky officials about a sexual relationship between Jorgensen and a swimmer. Similar concerns were raised in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed in 2014 and again in 2019 when two swim coaches from San Jose State reported allegations against Jorgensen to their Title IX office.
Jorgensen resigned from his position with the Wildcats last June after being suspended with pay by the university. As part of his departure, he received a financial settlement, as reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader. Despite the allegations, Jorgensen’s attorney, Greg Anderson, denied the accusations on behalf of his client, claiming that Jorgensen is being targeted for his support of former UK swimmer Riley Gaines, who sued the NCAA over its policies toward transgender athletes.
Conclusion:
The allegations against Lars Jorgensen and the University of Kentucky have brought to light serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of student-athletes within collegiate sports programs. The lawsuit filed by former members of the Wildcats swimming and diving team underscores the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct promptly and transparently.
The response from Kentucky spokeswoman Kristi Willett, indicating the university’s commitment to taking allegations seriously and cooperating with law enforcement, is a step in the right direction. However, the ongoing litigation and the denial of the allegations by Jorgensen’s attorney highlight the complexity of such cases and the need for thorough investigation and accountability.
As this story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the importance of institutions prioritizing their students’ and athletes’ safety and welfare. The Las Vegas Newspaper will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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