The former Baylor soccer player who was sexually assaulted by former football player Sam Ukwuachu has hired Title IX attorney John Clune to “investigate a number of issues surrounding the case,” according to the Dallas Morning News.
Clune is the same attorney who represents Erica Kinsman, who accused former Florida State and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston of raping her in December 2012. He also represented a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by three University of Oregon basketball players.
Clune confirmed his involvement in the Baylor case to the Dallas Morning News with the following statement:
“We are glad to see that President Starr and Baylor have chosen to conduct their own investigation and look forward to learning the outcome of that process,” Clune said in a statement released by his firm, Hutchinson Black and Cook, LLC of Boulder.
“Regardless of what facts these investigations may bare, there is a significant teachable moment here for all in higher education and we are hopeful that Baylor University embraces that great opportunity.”
Last week Ukwuachu, who transferred to Baylor after being dismissed from Boise State, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and given 10 years of probation for sexually assaulting a female soccer player. The 22-year-old was also ordered to complete 400 hours of community service. He had faced up to 20 years in prison.
Baylor coach Art Briles said he had been unaware of Ukwuachu’s violent history before allowing him on the team. Former Boise State coach Chris Petersen, now at Washington, contradicted Briles when he said in a statement he “thoroughly apprised” the Bears’ coach of “circumstances surrounding Sam’s disciplinary record and dismissal.”
Ukwuachu’s father Felix recently told Waco news station KWTX that he was present when Petersen called Briles, and says there was no mention of violence involving his son.
“Petersen said ‘Samuel is a dynamic player, a good boy’ (and) said he would be pleased if you take him into your school,” Felix Ukwuachu said.
Petersen “did not let Samuel go because of sexual abuse or any kind of abuse,” Ukwuachu said.
