Reported Knoxville rape, sexual assault involves Vol football players

[jbcarol]

Matt Slovin ‏@MattSlovin 5h5 hours ago

Drae Bowles has never been concerned with what teammates thought of him. http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2016/03/05/hero-tennessee-rape-case-always-did-right-thing-friends-say/81212236/ ... via @anitawadhwani @JSEditorBrandon

When former Tennessee football player Drae Bowles was recruited out of high school in 2011, then head coach Derek Dooley was facing the challenge of rebuilding a team that had faced more than its fair share of off-the-field criminal behavior by some of its players.

The team's brushes with the law under former UT head coach  Phillip Fulmer were legendary, spawning the now annual "Fulmer Cup for Criminal Achievements," a parody award bestowed on the college football team with the most off-field criminal activities.

Bowles was a standout recruit and an accomplished wide receiver. Off the field, Bowles texted Bible verses to friends and coaches, led the singing in the chapel at Jackson Christian School and liked to take his little brother to Dairy Queen, friends and former coaches told The Tennessean last week.

Sportswriters were impressed. 247Sports.com writer Wes Rucker wrote in 2011 under the headline "Building around Bowles" that the problems Dooley inherited wouldn't be fixed overnight, but "kids like Drae Bowles — a great prospect and seemingly a great person — could really help the situation."

In his hometown of Jackson, 300 miles west of Knoxville, friends, former coaches and his pastor say they stand behind the young man they know as a devout Christian, the son of a sheriff's office captain, an exemplary student and athlete and a private person who would never seek the spotlight. They also said Bowles wouldn't hesitate to help someone in need.

Bowles' account of what happened in November 2014 emerged in a sweeping lawsuit brought by eight female former students against the university over how it handles sexual assault allegations against athletes.

In the early hours one Sunday morning, he saw a friend crying and hyperventilating near the bushes in a parking lot. The female student told Bowles she had just been raped by two of his teammates, former UT students A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams. The men face separate rape trials scheduled for this summer. Through their attorneys, the two men have denied the allegations. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Bowles drove her home, where she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

In the locker room later that day, Bowles said he was confronted by teammate Curt Maggitt, who also had seen the woman in the parking lot, according to the lawsuit. Maggitt punched him in the mouth, Bowles said — a claim that Maggitt's lawyer has said is "a false statement."

Bowles then called his coach to tell him what happened. Jones responded by saying he was disappointed in Bowles and that he had "betrayed the team." Bowles, a sophomore at the time, "broke down and cried" after the phone call.

Jones later called Bowles back to apologize, but the next day, Bowles was again confronted by two teammates in a campus cafeteria before a coach intervened.

Bowles provided the account of events in a sworn declaration filed in federal court in Nashville, stating he was willing to testify in court.

Bowles' allegations were met with Jones' pledge to fight "false attacks on my character."

"The assertion that I ever attempted to belittle or demean a young man for taking action to help another person is absolutely false," Jones said in a statement. "To the contrary, I did all I could to assist the former student in question. During the course of the judicial process, campus officials, as well as the young man's own words, will clearly establish that I have done nothing wrong. I will fight all of these false attacks on my character, and I know that once this process has been completed, my reputation will be affirmed."

Bowles wasn't afraid of what teammates thought of him, said Jake Nichols, who was a freshman on the high school football team when Bowles was a senior. Nichols is now a student at Tennessee.

"He's the kind of person who will do what he feels is right no matter what others think of him," Nichols said.

His commitment to the team in July 2011 and eventual signing the following February made local headlines.

He quickly earned a reputation as one of the "most respectful" players on the field. But after arriving at Tennessee as one of the state's top prospects, he never emerged as a star for the Vols. He played only on special teams, recording two tackles in 2013 and appearing in only two games in 2014 before transferring to Chattanooga after that season.

Bowles and his family are intensely private, friends said. And while he has thanked friends for supportive texts, he has said very little to them about what has happened.

"He's a piece in a giant chess match right now, but no matter what else happened, he was doing the right thing it sounds like," said Nichols, Bowles' high school teammate. "That's what everyone who knows Drae would expect, because it's who Drae is."

[jbcarol]

 The Tennessean ‏@Tennessean 13h13 hours ago

#ICYMI: Former #Tennessee player A.J. Johnson won't face campus discipline: http://tnne.ws/21XsAEK  #UT

Nearly 16 months after former Tennessee football player A.J. Johnson was named as a suspect in a sexual assault and suspended from the team, an administrative law judge appointed by the university's chancellor has dismissed an on-campus disciplinary case against him.

The reason for the dismissal: The school failed to take action against Johnson before his December 2014 graduation.

Instead of exercising its right to place a "disciplinary hold" on his record or an interim suspension that would have postponed the awarding of his degree, university officials allowed Johnson to graduate in a special ceremony for football players.

Now that he is no longer a student, Johnson is no longer subject to the university's jurisdiction, according to the three-page order obtained by The Tennessean that was issued Monday by administrative law judge Katrice Jones Morgan, who also serves as assistant dean for student affairs and director of diversity and inclusion at UT.

Johnson and former teammate Michael Williams were named as suspects in a sexual assault involving the same female student in November 2014. The two were indicted by a Knox County grand jury in February 2015 for aggravated rape. They were arrested shortly afterward and are both out on bond. Both players have pleaded not guilty and face separate trials originally scheduled for this summer, but that will likely be rescheduled...

[jbcarol]

 The Tennessean ‏@Tennessean 18h18 hours ago

Butch Jones, Dave Hart among potential witnesses in @UTKnoxville sex assault suit. http://tnne.ws/1TLOLsV 

A new filing by lawyers for the University of Tennessee arguing that a sweeping Title IX sexual assault lawsuit filed against UT be heard in Knoxville rather than Nashville, provides a glimpse into the witnesses who may be called to testify should the case go to trial.

Eight former female students filed suit Feb. 9 alleging that UT is biased in favor of accused athletes, especially football players, and gives fewer rights to female students who bring forward claims of sexual assault.

The university in public statements has denied it treats athletes differently and said it supports victims, but has not yet filed a formal legal response.

The list of potential defense witnesses includes the university's top officials: Head Football Coach Butch Jones, Joe DiPietro, president of the University of Tennessee, UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek, Dave Hart, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at UT and the university's top lawyer, Matthew Scoggins.

It also includes law enforcement officials both on and off campus, including David Rausch, Chief of the Knoxville Police Department and Troy Lane, chief of the University of Tennessee Police Department, who are expected to testify that they communicate regularly about crime and criminal activity on campus, including sexual assaults.

Also on the list are vice chancellors, assistant athletics directors, coaches, staff who counsel victims of sexual assault and staff in the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standard, which investigates student misconduct.

[jbcarol]

Anita Wadhwani ‏@anitawadhwani Mar 8

Updated with UT comment: Ex-Tennessee player A.J. Johnson won't face campus discipline http://ln.is/www.tennessean.com/s/3MR10 ... via @tennessean @tnnaterau

University officials oppose the dismissal of Johnson's case, according to Bill Ramsey, an attorney representing UT.

"The university respectfully disagrees with the ALJ's decision and is preparing an appeal, which will fully present the university's position in Chancery Court," Ramsey said. "Federal student privacy law prevents the university from discussing this matter further. Coach (Butch) Jones took appropriate action by dismissing the student-athlete from the football team."

The delays in pursuing campus discipline for students accused of sexual assault, particularly football players, is a key claim in a lawsuit brought by eight former female students who allege UT is violating federal Title IX rules that require a speedy resolution to campus discipline for sexual assault allegations.

[jbcarol]

John Brice ‏@John_BriceVQ 1h1 hour ago

University of Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek addresses Title IX lawsuit in mass email:

[jbcarol]

MJ Slaby ‏@mjslaby 3h3 hours ago

Here's an update on what's in the KPD file that led to no charges for sex assault against a ex-UT football player: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/kpd-3-month-investigation-led-to-no-charges-against-former-ut-player-2e54aec2-27fe-711f-e053-0100007-372947181.html ...


KPD

A nearly three-month investigation that took several weeks to identify a suspect led to no charges against a former University of Tennessee football player accused of sexual assault but not identified in a federal lawsuit.

The Knoxville Police Department on Monday released the 50-page case file that includes interviews with the alleged victim and her friends, a forensic biology report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation listing no indication of semen and an email from District Attorney General Charme Allen to police about her decision to not prosecute.

According to the file, the alleged victim, also a UT student, woke up on Sept. 20 in bed with a man she didn't know, and he told her she had to leave. She later returned to his apartment with friends to attempt to retrieve her wallet, according to her account in the file. She said he told her that he found her walking from Cumberland Avenue, asked if he could walk her home and later asked if she wanted to spend the night. He told her that they didn't have sex.

The woman went to the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee on Sept. 22 and notified KPD on Sept. 23. She later told police about a bruise on her "lower stomach area."

"We think the police report and DA's statement speak for themselves in this case," UT Athletic Department spokesman Ryan Robinson said Monday, "and should remind us how complicated these issues can be and how important it is for law enforcement to do their jobs and judicial processes to take place before a rush to judgment.

"Lives of young people are at stake in these instances and caring for those lives should be our first concern."

The player, according to Robinson, was not suspended during the investigation.

[jbcarol]

Plaintiffs in the sexual assault case against the University of Tennessee on Wednesday presented their arguments for why they think there is enough evidence for the suit to move forward.

Pointing to the sworn declarations of former UT administrators Tim Rogers and Jenny Wright, the eight Jane Doe plaintiffs argued that the university has had an "official policy" of interference, especially by the athletics department, into sexual assault investigations involving male athletes.

UT has argued that in order for the suit to move forward the plaintiffs must prove the university had actual knowledge that a specific alleged perpetrator would commit an assault and acted with indifference to that threat.

In the Wednesday filing, plaintiffs argue the university's own policies create an environment where sexual assaults by student-athletes, especially football players, would occur.

"The plaintiffs made no arguments that were a surprise to us and we stand by our legal arguments made in our motion," said Bill Ramsey, attorney for UT.

The plaintiffs' lead attorney, David Randolph Smith, declined to comment for this story...

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 14h14 hours ago

Butch Jones called Drae Bowles, police chief on day of alleged 2014 rape http://sec.news/22Q3mZg

Phone records of several calls made by Tennessee coach Butch Jones on the day of an alleged rape from November 2014 were released Wednesday.

Jones and former Tennessee player Drae Bowles spoke two times on the day of the incident...

The rape accusation is now part of a sweeping Title IX lawsuit levied against Tennessee, which claims that Jones told Bowles that he betrayed the team by helping the alleged victim in the case against two of Bowles' teammates.

Jones released a statement about the conversations Wednesday.

"I am very comfortable with everything Drae, Mr. Bowles and I discussed, and I wish him nothing but the very best," Jones said. "My intent was to support Drae and make sure he was OK. There's nothing more important to me than the ultimate success in the life of our students."

According to the report, the phone records also revealed conversations between Jones and Sam Brown, the Knoxville Police Department liaison to the Tennessee football team. Jones also spoke with former player A.J. Johnson — one of two ex-players accused of the rape — Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch, Tennessee athletics director Dave Hart and former player Curt Maggitt, who was accused of punching Bowles in a confrontation stemming from Bowles' assistance of the alleged victim.

"We have as many conversations as needed with players, parents, law enforcement, whomever until we can be sure that we are making the best decision possible," Jones said in the statement. "These are decisions that can be life-changing for these individuals. After taking into account all the information we could gather in this case, we made the decision to suspend two student athletes from the team immediately."

Bowles has signed statements in the lawsuit, which includes eight plaintiffs, affirming his statement that he was assaulted by teammates and subsequently yelled at by Jones for giving the accuser a ride.

Johnson and Michael Williams, the second player accused in the rape allegation, were suspended on Nov. 17, 2014. They are charged with aggravated rape and of aiding and abetting aggravated rape, but their criminal trials are on hold.

[jbcarol]

Wes Rucker ‏@wesrucker247 15h15 hours ago

If a coach doesn't talk to the players allegedly involved and talk to police the day something worrisome happens, that coach is a moron IMO.

[jbcarol]

 Matt Slovin ‏@MattSlovin 17h17 hours ago

Butch Jones' phone log supports Drae Bowles' allegations in Johnson/Williams rape case: http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/ut/2016/03/30/butch-jones-phone-records-show-calls-drae-bowles/82441756/ ... @tnnaterau @anitawadhwani

Right. It doesn't prove anything. But it corroborates what Drae Bowles said happened that day.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/anitawadhwani/status/715705925508706304

University of Tennessee Board of Trustees met with university attorney Bill Ramsey on Thursday to discuss a federal Title IX lawsuit against the university, but neither UT officials nor Ramsey would give specifics.

The closed meeting was at UT-Martin before board committee meetings.

UT spokeswoman Margie Nichols said Ramsey briefed the university's governing body about the case. She said there was no further comment. Nichols was not in the meeting and said Gov. Bill Haslam, who is chairman of the UT board, did not attend.

The lawsuit alleges UT maintains a "hostile sexual environment" and violates Title IX and other federal laws when handling allegations of sexual assault, especially those against student athletes.

Because the trustees took no action and didn't deliberate toward any action, the public board was allowed by state law to hold a closed meeting, according to UT officials...

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/knoxnews/status/715985486561542148

Tennessee President Joe DiPietro said he can't address specifics of the "public and complex" federal Title IX lawsuit against the university, but wants to stress safety on campus.

DiPietro told the UT Board of Trustees that he joins university lawyers and Chancellor Jimmy Cheek in "refuting any allegations suggesting we don't take student safety seriously, especially as it relates to sexual violence."

The federal Title IX lawsuit alleges UT has a "hostile sexual environment" and violates federal laws in how it handles allegations of sexual assault, especially those against student athletes.

"Contrary to some perceptions, we didn't start talking about or tackling our most visible issues as they cropped up," DiPietro told the board.

The president said campuses across the system have worked to enhance education about sexual assault prevention, improve policies and create centralized websites as resources for students, faculty and staff in recent years.

He said the university wants to be a model for sexual assault prevention and he and the chancellors will be held accountable for that goal.

There will be mistakes and "unfortunate situations," but there is no excuse for sexual violence, DiPietro said.

"At UT, we believe strongly that every single incident of sexual violence is one too many," he said.

[jbcarol]

Matt Slovin ‏@MattSlovin 17h17 hours ago

Butch Jones' phone log supports Drae Bowles' allegations in Johnson/Williams rape case: http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/ut/2016/03/30/butch-jones-phone-records-show-calls-drae-bowles/82441756/ ... @tnnaterau @anitawadhwani

Right. It doesn't prove anything. But it corroborates what Drae Bowles said happened that day.

Nate Rau ‏@tnnaterau

It would have been a blow to the UT plaintiffs case if Jones` phone records didnt show 2 phone calls w/ Bowles the day of the alleged rape.


Matt Slovin ‏@MattSlovin

Log also shows Jones and Knoxville PD chief David Rausch spoke 4X on Nov. 16, 2014, the day two of Jones' players were accused of rape.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/johnadamskns/status/719495601809805312

One of the most amusing critiques of columnists can be summed up with: "Your article wasn't objective."

How insightful. And accurate. Columnists aren't supposed to be objective. They are employed for their opinions.

Many readers get that. For the readers wearing thicker head gear, here's a hint: A column likely will be accompanied by the writer's mug shot.

Why the explanation? Recent emails suggest it might be helpful to spell things out occasionally. Stating what should be obvious can serve a purpose, especially when dealing with hot-button legal issues — more specifically, the Title IX lawsuit filed against UT that accuses former and current Tennessee athletes of sexual assault.

Several readers suggested I was part of "UT's rape culture" in response to a recent column in which I pointed out contradictions in the comments and actions of former UT football player Drae Bowles, who said in a sworn statement that he was attacked by a teammate and berated by his coach for assisting one of the alleged rape victims.

Sexual assault is a heinous crime. And it doesn't affect only the victims. It causes an entire gender to think more carefully.

Men just go places. Women need to think before they go. Where should they park their car? Should they risk a walk in the park? Do they need pepper spray? Or a Taser?

However, despite the severity of the crime, that doesn't mean you should readily condemn all those accused. It also doesn't mean every allegation is valid. And questioning that validity doesn't make you insensitive to the alleged victims.

UT's legal team recently filed a motion to dismiss the suit. That might seem farfetched. But perhaps it could succeed it (sic) reducing the plaintiffs.

The sheer volume of complaints — the suit began with six plaintiffs and has added two more — has an impact. There's evidence UT's attorneys could reduce that impact.

For example, one of the eight plaintiffs wasn't sexually assaulted. According to the motion for dismissal, she alleges she witnessed the "attack" of Bowles along with her "knowledge of a second assault on Bowles." That caused her to be "fearful of personal recrimination for her participation in the Title IX investigation."

She also said she was eventually "forced to leave school" because the university "failed to protect her from a hostile sexually discriminatory environment and the resulting trauma."

[jbcarol]

Dustin Dopirak ‏@TennesseeBeat 20h20 hours ago

Asked Sankey for his thoughts on The lawsuit facing UT. He declined comment on this suit specifically but said he thinks SEC schools generally handle those matters well...

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/720326199818526720

Police called Tennessee coach Butch Jones in 2014 to tell him that two of his football players were under investigation for an alleged rape, and that may be a violation of state law, according to Nate Rau and Anita Wadhwani of The Tennessean. The report cites both phone records and sources with knowledge of the situation.

"(Knox County District Attorney) General (Charme) Allen opposes pre-arrest notification to any person or agency that is not made in furtherance of the investigation," McDermott said in the statement. "A pre-arrest disclosure of sensitive information that is not made for the purpose of advancing the criminal investigation potentially could violate state law regarding the misuse of official information."

Johnson and Williams are charged with aggravated rape and for aiding and abetting aggravated rape, but their criminal trials are on hold.

[SemperHawg]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/720326199818526720

Unreal, the Cops called Butch before anyone else.  Completely diminishing the integrity of any kind of investigation.  If that Title IX suit doesn't work out I'll bet I can guess who they will be suing next.  Lets see if ALLVOLL rides in here on the Tennessee high horse and posts some vague innocent until proven guilty TRASH to deflect from the running bar tab of hypocrisy and sleaze that Tenner is paying to be competitive in Football.

[jbcarol]

Out of the loop: Knoxville police says no more 'courtesy calls' to Butch Jones

Knoxville Police Chief Dave Rausch said that no investigations were compromised by "courtesy notifications" made to University of Tennessee officials, but the practice of alerting coaches and administrators of possible legal trouble for athletes is over.

Phone records acquired by MJ Slaby of the Knoxville News-Sentinel showed that Vols coach Butch Jones was made aware of a rape investigation against former Tennessee players A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams by police.

[jbcarol]

Wes Rucker ‏@wesrucker247 14h14 hours ago

Noted author and women's rights activist @MissAlexisJones spoke to the #Vols on Monday: http://bit.ly/1WmHWgT

Alexis Jones spoke Monday to the male athletes at the University of Tennessee about "respecting women," according to her Twitter feed.

Jones — an author and the founder of I AM THAT GIRL, an organization that empowers women and educates athletes about sexual harassment — noted the event with a couple of posts on Twitter that thanked Vols football coach Butch Jones and men's basketball coach Rick Barnes for allowing her to speak with "all the male athletes" at Tennessee about "respecting women."

Tennessee, as has been well documented, is being sued in federal court by at least eight women for claims that it has, among other things, created a "hostile sexual environment" for women and has violated Title IX with its improper handling of sexual assault allegations.

Male and female coaches of all the men's and women's sports at Tennessee have spoken up in strong defense of the university, holding a joint press conference to present a unified front in the matter.

Jones is one of many speakers who have come to Tennessee in recent years to discuss several off-field related issues, and many of those speakers have addressed the treatment of women.

https://twitter.com/MissAlexisJones/status/724716877746999296

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/727597010984026116

A federal judge will allow "most" of the lawsuit to proceed, according to CBS Sports' Jon Solomon. Seven of the eight plaintiffs — the statute of limitations has expired for one plaintiff — will be allowed to seek deliberate indifference claims against the university.

Solomon also reported that Tennessee's attorneys unsuccessfully tried to argue that the lawsuit could be a Title IV violation — which prohibits racial discrimination — because the football and basketball teams were majority African-American.

[Pig in the Pokey]

Unreal, the Cops called Butch before anyone else.  Completely diminishing the integrity of any kind of investigation.  If that Title IX suit doesn't work out I'll bet I can guess who they will be suing next.  Lets see if ALLVOLL rides in here on the Tennessee high horse and posts some vague innocent until proven guilty TRASH to deflect from the running bar tab of hypocrisy and sleaze that Tenner is paying to be competitive in Football.

He'll probably blame Dooley.

[hobhog]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/727597010984026116

So you can't sue the program because it's mostly made up of African Americans and that would be discrimatory? Good grief. I can't believe they had the guts to even say that in court....

[jbcarol]

 Dustin Dopirak ‏@TennesseeBeat 16h16 hours ago

The "before" claim of Jane Doe I in the case was dismissed because of a statute of limitations issue.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/727981385793871876

A list of local Knoxville attorneys prepared for Tennessee student-athletes by the program has raised questions amid an ongoing sexual assault lawsuit against the school.

Through a public records request, the list of attorneys, obtained by The Tennessean's Anita Wadhwani, contains four attorneys who have represented Tennessee football players in previous assault cases.

The six attorneys on the list provided to The Tennessean are all graduates of the University of Tennessee College of Law and several have ties to the athletics department, including a Tennessee booster and former members of the athletics board. Two of the attorneys, Don Bosch and Christopher Coffey, are listed as potential witnesses in the sexual assault suit against the school, according to the report.

[jbcarol]

 Chris Low ‏@ClowESPN 16h16 hours ago

Chris Low Retweeted Zac Ellis

And all six would be on my list as well if I needed an attorney.



Zac Ellis@ZacEllis

One of the six attorneys Tennessee recommends to its student-athletes is also the color analyst for Vol Network radio broadcasts.

[jbcarol]

Wes Rucker ‏@wesrucker247 May 17

#Vols coach Butch Jones: We have more than 60 players with a GPA higher than 3.0. When you win off the field, you win on the field.

[Dropkick]

Wes Rucker ‏@wesrucker247 May 17

#Vols coach Butch Jones: We have more than 60 players with a GPA higher than 3.0. When you win off the field, you win on the field.

off the field? Does he mean in the classroom or the courtroom?

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/wesrucker247/status/737770468871049217

[jbcarol]

Judge: Unsealing records in A.J. Johnson/Michael Williams case could taint potential jurors

A judge on Tuesday put another hold on trials and blocked the public again from seeing sealed records in the case of a former University of Tennessee star linebacker and a teammate accused of rape.

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee agreed at a hearing Tuesday to issue a stay of the trials of former UT linebacker A.J. Johnson and fellow ex-Vol Michael Williams. The request to put the trials on hold came at the request of prosecutors, who cited as cause an appeal still pending in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals over the availability of social media and digital communications by the players' accuser and witnesses.

McGee also shot down a bid by the News Sentinel to make public records the judge has placed under seal, including transcripts of police interviews with the accuser and witnesses and the Knoxville Police Department's affidavit for a search warrant for Johnson's apartment.

Johnson and Williams face two counts of aggravated rape and two counts of aiding and abetting aggravated rape. They are accused of raping a female UT athlete during a drunken party at Johnson's South Knoxville apartment. The ex-Vols contend the encounter was consensual and that their accuser claimed rape to protect her reputation.

Evidence revealed so far indicates Johnson and his accuser had been flirting for months and that the then-19-year-old woman willingly went to Johnson's bedroom to meet him.

Statements by the accuser and her female friends to police made clear that social media via various messenger services offered by Facebook and Yik Yak, along with texting, were the primary means of communication among all those involved, witnesses included. But the Knoxville Police Department took no steps to either retrieve those messages or preserve them.

That, in turn, forced the two former players' attorneys to file subpoenas to get the information.

[jbcarol]

With a lawsuit hanging over his Tennessee program's head, Butch Jones arrived at the SEC meetings on Tuesday less than a week after Baylor fired football coach Art Briles amid a sexual assault lawsuit.

He was asked how the situations are different.

"I'm not into comparisons. All I can speak on is the University of Tennessee," Jones said. "I feel strongly as everyone in our organization that we've done the right things. I'm proud of the culture that we have built. And we've tried to do everything the right way in our organization. So I feel very strongly with what we have at the University of Tennessee, what we've built, and what we will continue to grow on and build as well."

Eight plaintiffs are listed in the Title IX lawsuit levied against Tennessee. A court filing alleged that Jones told then-sophomore Drae Bowles he "betrayed the team" and called him a "traitor to the team" after he reportedly helped a woman who said she was raped by two other football players. Jones called that claim "absolutely false" in a statement.

Jones didn't directly address the lawsuit, but he was asked several general questions about player behavior and a coach's responsibility.

Jones pointed out that his father was a chief of police for 37 years, an uncle was a law enforcement officer and that he has a "great deal" of friends within the FBI.

He was also asked about background checks on players they're recruiting.

"Everything is about giving a young man an opportunity. Every circumstance, every situation is different. We're all parents. But we try to do our background checks. We try to be as thorough as possible through our social media to Google. But there's also some things that hamper you in terms of your background (checks), in being minors and the age that goes with that. So there's a lot of things that we're not able to do. ...

"Make no mistake about it: The first thing in our recruiting profile is character. We try to research that to the best of our ability."

[Dropkick]

I believe the part about how tight he is with law enforcement. Tight enough to get a heads up before your players are investigated. Time to remove evidence, get your story straight, etc.

[ALLVOL]

I believe the part about how tight he is with law enforcement. Tight enough to get a heads up before your players are investigated. Time to remove evidence, get your story straight, etc.

The used condom was retrieved by police. Also they found weed in the living room. So I don't think evidence was removed.

[Dropkick]

The used condom was retrieved by police. Also they found weed in the living room. So I don't think evidence was removed.

If it were your daughter how would you feel about the police contacting Jones before investigating?

[ALLVOL]

If it were your daughter how would you feel about the police contacting Jones before investigating?

If they are guilty they should be punished. I don't get emotional on legal matters.
But my point stands. Why wouldn't he have gotten rid of the condom? Or hid weed?

[Grizzlyfan]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/720326199818526720

The question is how can it NOT be a violation of law?

[Dropkick]

If they are guilty they should be punished. I don't get emotional on legal matters.
But my point stands. Why wouldn't he have gotten rid of the condom? Or hid weed?

I'll ask again.

If it were your daughter how would you feel about the police contacting Jones before investigating?

[Grizzlyfan]

You mean what an accurate, reasoned and thoughtful question?

No, meant pretty much what I said.

[jbcarol]

Gag order issued for lawyers in University of Tennessee sex assault lawsuit

A judge set a May 22, 2018 trial date in a sweeping sexual assault lawsuit filed against the University of Tennessee by eight former students earlier this year, while also ruling that attorneys stop making comments to the media in the high profile case.

The jury trial is expected to last approximately three to four weeks. The trial date was picked to accommodate end-of-year finals and graduation for the dozens of university coaches, students, faculty and staff who are expected to be called as witnesses.

The lawsuit filed in February alleges that the university fostered a culture that enabled sexual assaults by student-athletes, especially football players, and then used an unusual, legalistic campus disciplinary process that is biased against victims who step forward.

The lawsuit laid the blame at the very top of the UT administration.

"UT administration (Chancellor Jimmy Cheek), athletic department (Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director) Dave Hart and football coach (Butch Jones) were personally aware (as 'appropriate persons' under Title IX) and had actual notice of previous sexual assaults and rapes by football players, yet acted with deliberate indifference to the serious risks of sexual assaults and failed to take corrective actions," the plaintiffs said in their lawsuit.

[ALLVOL]

Gag order issued for lawyers in University of Tennessee sex assault lawsuit

This ruling should've been made from the onset.
Many find it funny that the plaintiff atty didn't want this until AFTER UT hired the Ingraham group. Had this ruling been made from the beginning Manning an rapper lil Jon would never have even been mentioned.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/742891243416498176

Tennessee: Spent

As in, Tennessee will have spent an awful lot of money fighting the Title IX lawsuit filed against the school.

[jbcarol]

UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek to step down, return to teaching

KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro announced Tuesday that Chancellor Jimmy Cheek is stepping down and returning to teaching.

Cheek, who has served as Knoxville chancellor since February 2009, will remain in office until his successor is found.

Cheek said he had been discussing the transition with DiPietro for several months.

The chancellor turns 70 in September and said he had been "working too much and spending too little time with family."

The last academic year has been a whirlwind of controversy for Cheek and the university with uproars about Office for Diversity and Inclusion web posts and the removal of the Lady Vols nickname as well as a Title IX federal lawsuit alleging the university mishandles cases of sexual assault especially when it comes to student athletes who are accused.

Cheek, a Texas native with degrees from Texas A&M University and Lamar University, came to UT in February 2009 after a 34-year career at the University of Florida.

Wes Rucker ‏@wesrucker247 1h1 hour ago

I actually thought Jimmy Cheek grew into his role as UTK chancellor and improved over time. But I don't think change for them is bad either.

I was hard on Jimmy Cheek early in his tenure as UTK chancellor because, honestly, he deserved it. But he did get better at it.

[jbcarol]

Jimmy Hyams ‏@JimmyHyams Jun 21

Chancellor Cheek will remain until at least the spring of 2017 when UT's board hopes to name a successor.

[Pig in the Pokey]

https://twitter.com/Carvell_AJC/status/742891243416498176

Tennessee: Spent

As in, Tennessee will have spent an awful lot of money fighting the Title IX lawsuit filed against the school.

Of course, there's a dual meaning here. The other major storyline attached to Tennessee this season is whether coach Butch Jones can lead his program into elite territory. Expectations are high, and given the Vols' recent penchant for playing close/dramatic games, the week-to-week madness with which UT fans will deal should leave many emotionally spent.

[Pig in the Pokey]

"UT administration (Chancellor Jimmy Cheek), athletic department (Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director) Dave Hart and football coach (Butch Jones) were personally aware (as 'appropriate persons' under Title IX) and had actual notice of previous sexual assaults and rapes by football players, yet acted with deliberate indifference to the serious risks of sexual assaults and failed to take corrective actions," the plaintiffs said in their lawsuit.

scathing.

[Pig in the Pokey]

I'll ask again.

If it were your daughter how would you feel about the police contacting Jones before investigating?

it aint touchin that with a ten foot pole.

[ALLVOL]

"UT administration (Chancellor Jimmy Cheek), athletic department (Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director) Dave Hart and football coach (Butch Jones) were personally aware (as 'appropriate persons' under Title IX) and had actual notice of previous sexual assaults and rapes by football players, yet acted with deliberate indifference to the serious risks of sexual assaults and failed to take corrective actions," the plaintiffs said in their lawsuit.

scathing.

If true, yes. However until proven it's just an accusation that has been resoundingly denied.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/746339749497954305

Seems like you are really after Baylor for some reason. How about you give the same attention to Tennessee or Mississippi State?

As for the Tennessee situation, there are some significant differences between Baylor and UT's handling of sexual assault cases.

According to the Pepper Hamilton investigation that Baylor commissioned, choices made by the Bears coaching staff "posed a risk to campus safety and the integrity of the University... In certain instances, including reports of a sexual assault by multiple football players, athletics and football personnel affirmatively chose not to report sexual violence and dating violence to an appropriate administrator outside of athletics. In those instances, football coaches or staff met directly with a complainant and/or a parent of a complainant and did not report the misconduct."

In addition, football staffers took steps "to actively divert cases from the student conduct or criminal processes. In some cases, football coaches and staff had inappropriate involvement in disciplinary and criminal matters or engaged in improper conduct that reinforced an overall perception that football was above the rules, and that there was no culture of accountability for misconduct."

In the case of Tennessee, all of these players who have been linked to any allegations of sexual assault or domestic assault — A.J. Johnson, Michael Williams, Treyvon Paulk, Von Pearson and Alexis Johnson — were either immediately suspended or dismissed from the team.

[longpig]

https://www.seccountry.com/tennessee/report-university-of-tennessee-settles-title-ix-lawsuit

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

Smart move by them

[SemperHawg]

Pay some money... Remove from news cycle...Lather, Rinse, Repeat.