Western Kentucky Swimmers Dispute Hazing Allegations

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Photo Courtesy: Andy Ringgold

The Western Kentucky swimmers accused of hazing that led to the five-year suspension of the swimming and diving program as well as termination of the entire coaching staff, are publicly disputing the hazing allegations through their attorney according to WBKO in Kentucky.

“There’s things that these young men and women are not proud to have engaged in. We’ve got a report here that makes it look as bad as it can possibly be. It’s authored by a person that takes no responsibility for taking part in any of it. It was a group of teammates engaging in what they deemed to be trust building and team building, rite of passage exercises. By no means did they intend this to be a malicious or torturous process,” said attorney Brian Lowder.

Lowder’s clients were alleged to have engaged in hazing that rose to the level of sexual assault as well as forced underaged drinking in a letter provided to the police by former swimmer Collin Craig. Lowder claims that Craig was a “willing participant” in the drinking, including requests of other teammates to obtain alcohol for recruits coming on campus trips. Lowder provided copies of texts allegedly sent by Craig to his clients requesting help to obtain this alcohol.

“Mr. Craig was a willing participant in the consumption of alcohol. He not only came here on a recruiting visit and allegedly saw the culture that he now complains about. He chose to go here (WKU). He drank when he got here. The text messages reflect that he was seeking alcohol. He needed a drink. He was also engaging in the very activity that he criticizes throughout his attorney’s report, wherein he is opposed to giving recruits alcohol.”

Lowder also claims that the sexual abuse allegations have no foundation as the alleged victim has not stated anything “inappropriate” occurred.

“There’s been an investigation into this allegation. The young lady that was reportedly involved was contacted and she indicated that it was nothing inappropriate and nothing was non-consensual.”

Craig’s attorney denies Lowder’s allegations completely.

“I can tell you without a doubt that Mr. Craig did not participate in these activities voluntarily. He was harassed. He was bullied. He was hazed. He was led to believe that the only way he could stay apart of the swim team at Western Kentucky University, was to suck it up and live through it,” said Craig’s attorney Vanessa Cantley.

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Jay Carter

9 years ago

I’ve already expressed my opinion over this whole subject. I remain with the feeling this should have been handled differently.

guest

9 years ago

Reply to Jay Carter

You are right. The swim team should not have hazed. That is what should have been handled differently.

Rick McElroy

9 years ago

I think this may bolster the theory of “handed to them on a silver platter”

SwimSauce

9 years ago

I’m not condoning the behavior of the swim team but If this is true, then he is a joke of a human being. This wasn’t about hazing, he saw an opportunity for a free education funded by WKU through litigation threats and bad press.

Gary Teekay

9 years ago

Reply to SwimSauce

The lot of the whistle-blower is always difficult, but society needs them.

SwimSauce

9 years ago

Reply to Gary Teekay

Unless that whistle blower is a hypocrite who exploits his fellow man for financial gain.

swim truth

8 years ago

Reply to SwimSauce

Omg! Accusing schools of not handling hazing must be the new scam. There’s a private high school swim super power in Philadelphia that has had their program almost destroyed by a parent/student alleging bull#$% only to get her children free tuition and eliminate her sons competition. This must be the new way to a “full” ride.