Former Kentucky Football Star and First-Round NFL Draft Pick Sued for Sexual Assault in Shocking Civil Case Alleging Misconduct

A former University of Kentucky football standout and first-round NFL draft pick is at the center of a civil lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through the college football and professional sports communities. The player, whose name once inspired admiration across the Bluegrass State and beyond, is now being sued for alleged sexual assault in a case that threatens to tarnish both his legacy and future.

The lawsuit, filed in a Kentucky civil court earlier this week, accuses the former UK football star of sexually assaulting a woman during what she describes as a “non-consensual and violent encounter” that occurred after a university-hosted alumni event in 2021. The plaintiff, who is remaining anonymous under Kentucky’s victim protection statutes, is seeking unspecified damages for physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.

The former player, who had a storied college career and was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, has denied all allegations through his legal team and vowed to “vigorously defend his name.”

While the legal process will ultimately determine the truth of the allegations, the filing has already had significant repercussions in the sports world and among the Kentucky Wildcats community.

The Allegations

According to the 27-page complaint, the alleged assault took place at a Lexington-area hotel where the plaintiff, a UK alumna and former university employee, says she was invited for a post-event gathering with several former players and staff members.

The lawsuit claims that after several hours of socializing and drinking, the former player coerced the woman into a private room under the guise of continuing their conversation. Once inside, she alleges, he became aggressive, ignored repeated verbal refusals, and forcibly assaulted her.

The plaintiff says she feared for her safety and did not report the incident immediately due to the player’s high profile and her own professional ties to the university.

“He used his fame, power, and physical presence to intimidate and overpower the plaintiff,” the complaint reads. “She has lived in fear and silence for two years, watching him continue to profit off a clean image that she knows to be false.”

The plaintiff claims to have received therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has submitted text messages, medical records, and witness accounts to support her case.

Legal Response and Denial

In a statement released through his attorney, the former Kentucky quarterback categorically denied the allegations:

“My client is deeply disturbed by these false and defamatory claims. He maintains his innocence and will fight these charges in court with every legal resource available.”

The player has not been charged with a crime, and Lexington Police have confirmed that no criminal complaint was filed in 2021. However, they are “reviewing” the civil filing to determine whether further investigation is warranted.

Legal experts note that civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases — requiring “preponderance of the evidence” rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

“If the plaintiff can demonstrate that it’s more likely than not that an assault occurred, the court may rule in her favor,” said Kentucky-based attorney Michael Franks, who specializes in civil litigation.

Impact on Reputation and Career

The player in question — who starred at Kentucky from 2017 to 2019 and became one of the highest-drafted players in school history — was once considered a model ambassador for the program. Known for his arm strength, athleticism, and leadership, he helped guide Kentucky to some of its most successful seasons in recent memory, including a 10-win campaign and a Citrus Bowl victory.

He was later drafted in the first round by an NFL team, where he has experienced mixed success due to injuries and inconsistent play but has remained on a professional roster.

This lawsuit threatens not just his reputation, but his career. NFL teams are known to take allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, especially in the wake of high-profile cases like those involving Deshaun Watson and Matt Araiza.

Although the league has not yet issued a statement, sources indicate that the NFL is “monitoring the situation closely” and could place the player on the Commissioner’s Exempt List pending further developments.

“The NFL can’t ignore something like this — even without a criminal charge,” said a former team executive. “It’s a PR nightmare and a risk to your locker room.”

Kentucky Football’s Response

The University of Kentucky athletic department has also released a statement expressing concern and a commitment to cooperating with any legal proceedings:

“We are aware of the civil lawsuit involving a former student-athlete. While the individual is no longer affiliated with the university, we take allegations of this nature seriously. We remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence and will provide resources as appropriate.”

Though the former player hasn’t represented the school on the field in several years, the Kentucky football program has made efforts to stay connected to its alumni — frequently inviting them back for events, appearances, and mentorship roles.

That dynamic is now under scrutiny.

“This was someone we held up as a role model,” said one current UK athletics employee who asked to remain anonymous. “This will shake a lot of people, especially young fans who looked up to him.”

The Broader Conversation: Power, Fame, and Accountability

This case raises broader issues that college athletics — and society as a whole — continue to wrestle with. When athletes rise to stardom, they often enter a world of privilege, adulation, and influence. But with that visibility comes greater responsibility — and scrutiny.

“Too often, high-profile athletes are shielded from consequences because of who they are,” said Dr. Liana Foster, a gender studies professor at the University of Louisville. “That makes it even harder for survivors to come forward. Civil cases like this represent a critical step toward balancing that power.”

The plaintiff’s legal team said their client struggled for over a year before filing the suit.

“She didn’t want money. She wanted to be heard,” said her attorney, Monica Reynolds. “She wants him to be held accountable, and she wants others who’ve experienced similar abuse to know that silence is not the only option.”

What Comes Next?

The case is expected to move into the discovery phase in the coming weeks, where both sides will exchange evidence and prepare for a possible trial. A settlement is also possible, though the plaintiff’s attorney said her client is “not interested in quietly making this go away.”

The player could be deposed under oath — a high-stakes moment that could not only impact the lawsuit but also his NFL future. If inconsistencies or damaging details emerge, teams may reevaluate their willingness to carry him on their roster.

Meanwhile, the University of Kentucky will likely continue internal reviews to determine whether proper safeguards are in place to prevent future incidents involving former or current athletes.

This lawsuit doesn’t just involve one player and one accuser — it involves a university community, a football culture, and a larger societal reckoning with power, celebrity, and justice.

While the truth will ultimately be determined in court, the case has already started a difficult but necessary conversation in Kentucky and beyond.

It’s a reminder that even the most admired heroes can have hidden sides. And it underscores the importance of creating environments — on and off the field — where survivors feel safe, heard, and empowered to come forward.

As one longtime Kentucky fan put it, “I cheered for him every Saturday. Now, I just hope the truth comes out — whatever it may be.”