Lawyer: Reggie Lynch Denies All Sexual Assault Allegations
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Reggie Lynch categorically denies allegations of sexual assault lodged against him by two women.
On Wednesday, the attorney for the University of Minnesota basketball standout said his client never had sexual contact with either woman. The University of Minnesota investigators are recommending that Lynch be expelled for alleged sexual misconduct on April 7, 2016.
In a separate sexual misconduct allegation that happened three weeks later, U of M investigators have recommended that he be suspended. Lynch is appealing both cases.
In May of 2016, police arrested Lynch over a third sexual assault accusation. He was not charged in that case. A fourth woman also accused him, but she decided not to go forward with the University investigation.
Lynch's attorney says his client denies all of the allegations against him. Attorney Ryan Pacyga says his client is anxious to clear his name.
Pacyga says he is afraid for his client, Reggie Lynch, who he believes has been robbed of an opportunity to clear his name.
"Had these incidents been reported in a timely manner, Reggie Lynch could have been vindicated," Pacyga said.
He says the more than a year of time that lapsed from when the alleged incidents took place until they were reported hinders the gathering of forensic evidence.
"Reggie Lynch categorically denies all of these allegations in both incidents," Pacyga said.
Pacyga says his client has been accused of sexually assaulting one woman and having non-consensual sex with another. Both incidents allegedly happened back in April of 2016.
Lynch was cleared of a third accusation by the University and Police back in May of 2016.
"He wanted his side of the story out and despite that, the university in collecting its information has arrived at the preliminary determination that they have done," Pacyga said.
One of the accusers released a statement on Pacyga's discussion of the incidents via Abby Honold, a University of Minnesota alumna and advocate for sexual assault victims:
Pacyga says the Title IX investigation does not provide a burden of proof like in a court of law. He says that system is flawed and needs to be revamped. He says Lynch and his army of supporters will soon have to decide what's next.
"Whether that is continue on with panel hearings or just say, you know, enough of it is enough," Pacyga said.
Pacyga says Lynch admits to having contact with his accusers, but not sexual contact. Lynch is still a part of the University of Minnesota basketball team. He cannot travel or play in games, but can practice with the team during the appeal process.
