Former University of Nebraska women’s basketball player Ashley Scoggin has filed a civil lawsuit against the program, alleging that they failed to take appropriate action when her relationship with an assistant coach became public. The lawsuit names current head coach Amy Williams, athletic director Trev Alberts, associate head coach Chuck Love, and the university’s board of regents as defendants.
Scoggin’s lawsuit details how her relationship with Love turned sexual, and she feared retaliation if she refused to participate. The suit claims that Williams and Alberts did not provide training or policies that prohibit staff members from having a sexual relationship with athletes, creating a toxic environment for Scoggin.
According to the lawsuit, in 2021, Scoggin had an internship with the athletic department at Nebraska and expressed interest in coaching in the future. Love invited her to work at a table in his office, where he asked personal questions and invited her out for drinks. Despite declining multiple times, Scoggin eventually accepted and was kissed by Love, who then asked if she had ever done anything with a coach before.
The situation escalated when team members and staff devised a plan to record Scoggin in Love’s hotel room before a game against Penn State in February 2022. The video was taken to Williams, who allegedly painted Scoggin as the instigator of the relationship. Scoggin was then removed from the team, with Williams allowing players to berate and accuse her without intervention.
Scoggin played two seasons for the Cornhuskers before being dismissed from the team the same day Love was suspended. She has since transferred to UNLV, where she continues to play.
Scoggin’s attorney, Maren Chaloupka, highlighted the serious issue of predatory coaches pursuing sexual relationships with student-athletes, emphasizing the imbalance of power and the responsibility of universities and coaches to prevent and address such situations.
The University of Nebraska has acknowledged the lawsuit, but as of now, Williams and Love have not commented on the allegations. The case sheds light on the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of student-athletes and holding institutions accountable for their duty to protect their athletes.
