Unnamed football players, coaches and staff members at the University of California are being accused of sexual harassment by a former athletic department intern.
The student, identified as Paige Cornelius, wrote in a Facebook post that an unnamed coach told her, “I will get you fired if you do not have sex with me.”
She added that a different coach in a separate incident left comments on an Instagram post that led to text messages and an invitation to Memorial Stadium at midnight, Sports Illustrated reported.
“I was under the influence, and not legally in a state of mind to be consenting to sex,” Cornelius said in the Facebook post. “He snuck me into his office … and he immediately grabbed for my waist. I was terrified, my mind was fuzzy, and I do not remember much from that night. He kept kissing me, pushing me against the wall, and I left.”
Cornelius has since medically withdrawn from school and said that she blocked one staff member on Instagram who began following her home. She said the staff member asked her what she was doing that weekend and that they should go to the pool, because she “would look amazing in a bikini.”
“This coach is still employed by Cal Football, just to make that clear,” she wrote.
“We are aware of the very disturbing public allegations made on social media,” a statement from the university read. “Allegations of sexual violence and sexual harassment by campus employees are confidential unless officials determine policy is violated, and disciplinary action has been decided. Cal Athletics is and will always be committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected. All of those associated with the department are expected to maintain ethical standards at all times.”
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