The University of Kentucky has responded to the allegations of sexual assault brought forth from a recent lawsuit against former coach Lars Jorgensen, according to multiple reports.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and employees,” the release from spokesperson Kristi Willett 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. We will do everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”
The suit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court by former swimmer and assistant coach Briggs Alexander and an unidentified former swimmer. The suit is filed against Jorgensen, the university and the athletic director Mitch Barnhart alleging sexual assault and claims the school “purposefully” disregarded multiple reports of the behavior, which Jorgensen has denied. He resigned several months ago.
Barnhart told the AP he could not comment because of the litigation but said, “We always want to have safety for our student-athletes, our coaches and our staff.”
Another former Kentucky swimmer reported a “forced sexual assault” by Jorgensen to The Athletic.
All three alleged victims have spoken to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which is investigating Jorgensen.
