Former Nebraska WBB player Ashley Scoggin sues over inappropriate relationship

Former Nebraska women's basketball player Ashley Scoggin files lawsuit accusing coach and athletic director of mishandling sexual relationship with coach.

Former Nebraska women's basketball guard Ashley Scoggin has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court alleging that coach Amy Williams and athletic director Trev Alberts failed to take proper action after learning of her sexual relationship with then-associate head coach Chuck Love.

The lawsuit claims that Love targeted Scoggin, and their relationship eventually became sexual. Scoggin felt afraid to back out of the relationship due to fear of retaliation if she refused to participate.

Neither Williams nor Alberts provided comments, and Love did not respond to requests for comments, according to the Associated Press.

Scoggin's attorney, Maren Chaloupka, described the situation as a troubling and serious case of predatory coaches pursuing sexual relationships with student-athletes. Chaloupka emphasized the power imbalance between professional coaches and student-athletes, and the responsibility of universities and coaches to prevent and address such situations.

Love was suspended with pay in February 2022, and Scoggin was dismissed from the Cornhuskers after two seasons. Love resigned three months after his suspension, and Scoggin now plays at UNLV.

The lawsuit was filed on Sunday, and Nebraska became aware of it on Monday. The university stated that it does not agree with the allegations and intends to vigorously defend the matter.

The lawsuit detailed how the situation began in 2021 when Scoggin expressed interest in coaching, and Love presented an opportunity for her to come under his wing. He allegedly asked her personal questions and repeatedly asked her out on dates, despite being married. Scoggin finally accepted one of his invitations, and he allegedly kissed her in a parking lot and asked if she had ever been involved with a coach before.

The lawsuit claimed that Williams cast Scoggin as a seducer and a liar, and allowed players to berate and accuse her. Scoggin was later told by Williams that she was off the team.

The lawsuit alleged that Nebraska, Williams, and Alberts were motivated to avoid scandal and embarrassment to the women's basketball program instead of protecting Scoggin.

This case highlights the need for universities and coaches to address and prevent predatory situations involving student-athletes and coaches. It brings attention to the imbalance of power and the responsibility to protect student-athletes from abuse.