University of Tennessee held a press conference with its Athletic Director, Dave Hart Thursday after a Title IX lawsuit against the university made national headlines.
In the conference he stood behind head football coach Butch Jones and trusts him completely.
"I believe very strongly in what we're doing in the Athletics program here at the University of Tennessee. And I trust Butch Jones implicitly. I know who he is. I know what his work ethic is, I know what he's made this University well beyond the department of athletics,” said Hart.
Hart commented on his trust in Jones because of another allegation made in the lawsuit.
A new complaint filed Wednesday, alleged that Head Football Coach Butch Jones told former player Drae Bowles that he was "disappointed in Bowles and that he had betrayed the team" after Bowles came to the aid of rape victim, named as Jane Doe IV. Bowles "became extremely upset, broke down and cried."
She said Bowles found her distraught and hyperventilating after she was raped by AJ Johnson and Mike Williams. Bowles encouraged her to call 911, go to the hospital and report the players responsible.
Plaintiffs said Jones later called Bowles to apologize for what he said, but according to the suit Jones told the team to stay away from Bowles, taking no action against his attackers. Bowles later transferred to UT Chattanooga.
Jones released the following statement Wednesday night:
"The assertion that I ever attempted to belittle or demean a young man for taking action to help another person is absolutely false. To the contrary, I did all I could to assist the former student in question. During the course of the judicial process, campus officials, as well as the young man's own words, will clearly establish that I have done nothing wrong. I will fight all of these false attacks on my character, and I know that once this process has been completed, my reputation will be affirmed."
Two more women were also added to the list of women named as “Jane Does” in the lawsuit Wednesday.
The suit claimed that the university has created a “hostile sexual environment.” Each allegation involves current or former UT athletes.
Hart responded to the allegations by saying, "We have a great culture in our building. I would feel extraordinarily comfortable for you to walk this building talk to your custodians, talk to our clerical people, talk to our staff and student athletes, I'm proud of the culture that we have here."
Hart also expressed his sympathy for the alleged rape victims. He went on to encourage any victims of rape to come forward.
Several protesters were outside of the news conference. They chanted, "Vols for Jane" as they held signs that read, "We support you Jane Doe" and "Stop UT rape culture."
