Lawsuit Accuses Ex-Kentucky Coach Lars Jorgensen of Sexual Assault, School Accused of ‘Complicity’
Several few months ago, Lars Jorgensen resigned as head swim coach at the University of Kentucky with no reason given.
But there was an investigation, which has now led to a lawsuit. The results of the investigation were reported by The Athletic with Kentucky being accused of “complicity” and Jorgensen accused of committing sexual assault.
According to the report, the allegations against Jorgensen include raping two members of the swim program, masturbating in front of one of them, sending a picture of his genitalia and other suggestive messages to swimmers over social media. He was accused of raping the Kentucky staff member multiple times, the alleged victim told The Athletic.
“I felt like I didn’t have a voice. I felt like if I told people I wouldn’t be able to be in a profession I was so passionate about and loved. That was held over my head and I was told that quite often,” she said.
Another former Kentucky swimmer reported a “forced sexual assault” by Jorgensen.
All three alleged victims have spoken to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which is investigating Jorgensen.
Jorgensen responded to the allegations by telling The Athletic, “None of that is true, so I don’t really have much further comment. I’ve always tried to lead in a positive manner and do what’s best for each individual and the team overall.”
Two former Kentucky swimmers filed a lawsuit on Friday against Jorgensen, former Kentucky coach Gary Conelly and former athletic director Mitch Barnhart complaining about Kentucky’s “complicity and deliberate indifference” that enabled Jorgensen to “foster a toxic, sexually hostile environment with the swim program and to prey on, sexually harass, and commit horrific sexual assaults and violent rapes against young female coaches and collegiate athletes who were reliant on him.”
A Kentucky spokesperson wrote in an email to The Athletic: “Mr. Jorgensen is no longer an employee of the University of Kentucky. We do not, as a matter of policy, discuss specific personnel issues.”
