A former Nebraska women's basketball player has filed a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court, alleging inappropriate actions by coach Amy Williams and athletic director Trev Alberts in response to a sexual relationship she had with an assistant coach.
The lawsuit names Chuck Love, the assistant coach, along with Williams, Alberts, and the university's Board of Regents as defendants. The player, Ashley Scoggin, seeks unspecified damages for the alleged violation of her civil rights.
According to the lawsuit, Scoggin described how Love took a special interest in her, leading to a sexual relationship that caused her to fear retaliation if she refused to engage in it. Scoggin played two seasons for the Cornhuskers before being dismissed from the team on the same day Love was suspended with pay in February 2022. Love resigned three months later.
The lawsuit further alleges that Williams and Alberts failed to establish rules, training, or policies prohibiting staff members from having sexual relationships with athletes, creating an environment where misconduct was inevitable.
The lawsuit details how Love, who was married, initiated the relationship by asking personal questions and inviting Scoggin for drinks. The relationship turned sexual, with Love expecting Scoggin to be available whenever he wanted. Scoggin was eventually confronted by teammates in Love's hotel room during an away game, leading to her dismissal from the team.
The lawsuit criticizes Williams for not addressing the power imbalance between coaches and student-athletes and for allegedly casting Scoggin in a negative light during the incident. Scoggin was not informed of her rights under Title IX and was told she was off the team in a meeting with Williams and other administrators.
The lawsuit accuses the university, Williams, and Alberts of prioritizing the reputation of the women's basketball program over protecting Scoggin as a student-athlete. The case highlights the issue of predatory behavior by coaches and the need for universities to prevent and address such situations.
