LINCOLN, Neb. – A former Nebraska basketball player has filed a lawsuit against her former assistant coach, head coach Amy Williams, NU Athletic Director Trev Alberts, and NU Board of Regents almost two years after being removed from the team. According to the lawsuit obtained by KETV NewsWatch 7, Ashley Scoggin claims that assistant coach Chuck Love had groomed and pursued her for a sexual relationship. She also alleges that when she denied certain sexual encounters, she felt she received less playing time and feared further retaliation if she reported the relationship between herself and Love.
Scoggin stated that she had worked in Love’s office through an internship while learning about a career in coaching. As suspicions grew, she claims that other team members planned a ruse to confirm and record video of her being in Love’s hotel room during a road game. Once confronted at a team meeting before a game, she and Love denied allegations of a relationship. Subsequently, Scoggin was kicked off the team, and Love was suspended with pay, ultimately resigning in May 2022.
In the lawsuit, Scoggin blames both Alberts and Williams for their lack of action and addressing the situation. She is seeking punitive damages, compensation for physical and mental suffering, as well as the loss of her spot on the basketball team. Her attorney, Maren Chaloupka, emphasized the importance of universities maintaining firm boundaries between coaches and student athletes for the protection of the athletes.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has declined to comment on the pending litigation, stating that it does not agree with the allegations contained in the complaint. The university intends to vigorously defend the matter.
The lawsuit filed by Scoggin sheds light on the challenges faced by student-athletes if there is an abuse of power and ethics within their coaching staff. It also underscores the need for universities to take necessary actions to address such situations and protect their student-athletes. As the legal proceedings continue, the case will likely spark discussions regarding the responsibility of universities in safeguarding the well-being and rights of their athletes.