MINNEAPOLIS - A third allegation of sexual assault has come to light against Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball player Reggie Lynch.
The University of Minnesota's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action office found Lynch responsible for sexual misconduct in an alleged assault April 7, 2016. The finding by the office recommends Lynch be expelled.
The report was dated Jan. 4, 2018, the same day as a separate recommendation that he be suspended for sexual misconduct following an incident alleged to have happened on April 28, 2016, in a Roy Wilkins Hall dorm room.
Lynch was also was arrested and briefly jailed on May 8, 2016, after a woman accused him of raping her. Prosecutors eventually decided they did not have enough evidence to charge the case.
Lynch has not been criminally charged in connection with any of the allegations made against him.
Lynch's attorney, Lee Hutton, has not commented to KARE 11 about the latest allegation. Ryan Pacyga, who says he's representing Lynch, is planning a news conference on Wednesday.
The University of Minnesota released the following statement Tuesday evening:
When the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) begins an investigation involving a student-athlete, it informs athletic department officials. After it has received the EOAA report, the Office for Community Standards (OCS) notifies the athletic department of EOAA's initial findings as well as OCS' decision on what academic sanction, if any, should be offered as an informal resolution. Once presented with EOAA's initial findings and the recommended academic sanction from OCS, the athletics director then makes a decision if an interim athletic suspension will be imposed as the student discipline process continues.
The University followed these procedures and the University stands by Mark Coyle's decision.
The University understands and shares the frustration that it cannot share more information. However, federal privacy protections prohibit the University from sharing information related to any specific student discipline matter. The University takes its responsibility seriously and is committed to allowing for due process for all parties involved. The University has and will continue to follow its processes and procedures to the letter of the law in relation to matters of student educational data, but understands the public's desire for more information.
Last week, the school suspended Lynch. He remains a member of the basketball team but cannot play in games. He is appealing the suspension.