Note – this post includes explicit language, as detailed out within the legal document referenced.
In a follow-up to the latest update on the Western Kentucky University hazing allegations, which resulted in the swimming and diving program’s 5-year suspension, we reported that a former swimmer has now filed a federal lawsuit against the University.
Collin Craig the lawsuit against Western Kentucky University, Marchionda, WKU’s Athletic Director, Todd Stewart, as well as two associate athletic directors and 3 former teammates. Craig claims he was ‘physically, mentally and emotionally abused, suffered discrimination on the basis of his sex’ and that the abuse caused him to be ‘unable to enjoy his athletic scholarship.’
The actual complaint has now been made available, which names the 3 former teammates as Harrison Griffin, Seth Musser and Tyler Groneck. Among the alleged claims specific to these WKU swimmers, the affidavit states that “Mr. Craig was, on numerous occasions, intimidated by threats and forced to drink alcohol, underage, and repeatedly struck in the testicles by Harrison Griffin and Tyler Groneck, among others. Defendant Seth Musser also participated in intimidating Mr. Craig.”
Craig_v_Western_Kentucky_University
Of the more than 40 charges included in the document, one alleges that “Mr. Craig was verbally abused throughout the named period, including being called the sexually offensive slur ‘pussy’ on countless occasions in the presence of numerous third parties.”
Another incident within the document describes Craig being choked to the point of passing out by one of the defendants, “causing headaches, throat bruising, and pain swallowing lasting for days.” A claim involving commission of a crime is also listed in the charges, described as defendants ordering Craig to “vandalize the statue of former WKU President Cherry.”
WKU spokesman Bob Skipper issued a statement Friday in regards to the lawsuit. The statement reads: “WKU completed a thorough investigation into this matter and will be defending the lawsuit filed by Mr. Craig. Given the fact this matter is in litigation, we do not feel as though we can make any further comment at this time and all other questions should be directed to our attorney, Thomas N. Kerrick.”
UPDATE: this article originally incorrectly identified a defendant’s name within the choking incident description. This has now been updated.
Bruce and Brian are not only great coaches but also awesome mentors to young men and women. They believed in the kids they coached and loved the kids like family. They had high expectations of their athletes and regularly discussed team policies and consequences for not following the rules. Bruce believed in giving kids second chances but as soon as he learned of the allegations he immediately suspended the boys whose behaviors were in question. Colin did not report the incident to his coaches to his own admission so why are they being held accountable for what someone else MAY have done ?
Colin Craig admits to going to the “party house” 27 times in one semester. Colin Craig had a fake ID and drank regularly by his own choice. He was not held at the house against his will not was he required to go there to be a member of the swim team. There were other swimmers on the WKU SWIM TEAM that did not go to those parties and many on the team that did not drink. Bruce and Brian had an open door policy for the athletes and the parents of athletes to approach them with any problems or concerns -and yet not once did he go to them or the athletic director to tell them he was unhappy,… Read more »
It is worth mentioning at this point that WKU Men’s or Women’s swimming program was not sanctioned by NCAA in connection with Colin’s allegation. When the plaintiff and media speak of a Title IX investigation it should be noted that investigation was done by an employee of the WKU and the employee resigned from her post within days of the announcement to suspend the program.
*grabs popcorn*
What is being called “Vandalizing property” is the freshman boys put a speedo on a statue on campus! Wow!