A University of Oregon student who alleges she was raped by three basketball players last March has filed a lawsuit against the University and basketball coach Dana Altman. The civil complaint was filed in Eugene Thursday.
In the lawsuit the victim is labeled as Jane Doe. She is still a student at the UO. The suit claims that Coach Altman knew player Brandon Austin had been accused of sexual misconduct at his former college, and could be a risk to female students at the UO. Interim President Scott Coltrane denies that.
Coltrane: "We actually had no evidence of wrongdoing about this student when we recruited him um, so it is unfortunate that there was a record."
Coltrane says the UO is still working with the female student to ensure her safety on campus. The alleged assault took place last March. Police investigated, but no charges were brought against the players, Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin. However, the UO suspended them from the team then banned them from campus for at least four years. Jennifer Middleton is one of the attorneys representing the victim. She says this is a very serious case.
Middleton: "It appears that universities in recruiting athletes may be trading the safety of women on campus for points on the scoreboard and it's time for universities around the country to take a look at those practices."
The plaintiff is seeking reimbursement for tuition, pain and suffering and expenses related to the assault.