Kentucky AD Barnhart remains mute on lawsuit filed by former swimmers
The Director of Athletics for the University of Kentucky, Mitch Barnhart, has remained silent on the lawsuit filed against him, the institution, and their former swim coach, Lars Jorgensen. The lawsuit alleges sexual assault, including rape, by Jorgensen and asserts that the university purposefully ignored multiple credible reports of inappropriate sexual relationships.
Unanswered Allegations
In recent happenings, Barnhart was asked to comment on these charges after Sunday’s news meeting at Rupp Arena, where the new men’s basketball coach Mark Pope was being introduced. However, Barnhart was unable to provide an insight or opinion on the allegations, citing legal reasons tied to the ongoing litigation.
“I always say we always want to have safety for our student-athletes, our coaches and our staff, but other than that, I can’t say,” Barnhart commented.
The Filing Parties
The filed lawsuit originates from Briggs Alexander, a former University of Kentucky swimmer and assistant coach, and a woman identified only as Jane Doe. It was lodged on Friday in the U.S. District Court. The lawsuit claims that Jorgensen was enabled by Kentucky to cultivate a dangerous, sexually hostile environment within the swim program, which in turn allowed him to prey on, sexually harass and execute horrific sexual assaults.
As per standard practice, names of sexual assault victims are not disclosed unless they consent to be identified — as Alexander has.
Additional Claims in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit further alleges that the former University of Kentucky head coach Gary Conelly, who was in charge of the swim program from 1991 until his retirement in 2013, was informed of Jorgensen’s supposed previous misconduct at Toledo but did not investigate. The suit also accuses Barnhart of hiring Jorgensen despite being informed via email about the allegations, which he purportedly did not investigate. Barnhart is accused in the lawsuit of intentionally concealing these allegations.
Implications of the Case
With sexual misconduct in sports and education gaining increasing attention worldwide, this case underscores the need for universities and administrations to strictly adhere to protocols for investigating accusations. Although the legal process will determine the truth of the allegations, the case brings the broader issue with sexual abuse in sports and its cover-ups under the spotlight.
Looking Ahead
The University of Kentucky, Barnhart, and Jorgensen will surely face numerous legal challenges in the coming months with this lawsuit. Above all, it will be vital for due process to be observed, and for justice to be served for all parties involved.
