Baylor Settles Sexual Assault Claim

WACO, Texas (CN) - Baylor University has settled a claim from a former student athlete who says she was sexually assaulted by former football player Sam Ukwuachu, the woman's attorney said.

Title IX attorney John Clune, with Hutchinson Black in Boulder, Colo., declined to elaborate on the settlement other than to say on Dec. 31 that it was "satisfactorily resolved."

No lawsuit was filed. Ukwuachu, a 2013 transfer from Boise State University, was convicted by a jury of sexual assault against a former Baylor women's soccer player on Aug. 21 in McLennan County Court. He was sentenced to 180 days in county jail, 10 years of probation and 400 hours of community service.

Baylor President Ken Starr announced the completion of an internal investigation in August that resulted in a recommendation for a larger investigation.

"After reviewing the results of his internal inquiry, I am recommending that our Board of Regents retain the services of outside counsel to investigate thoroughly these matters and recommend continued improvements," Starr said at the time.

Results of that investigation have yet to be made public.

Baylor has faced intense criticism over whether head football coach Art Briles and school officials were aware of accusations involving violence against women when Ukwuachu's transfer to Baylor was approved. One of Ukwuachu's former girlfriends testified under oath at his trial that he hit and choked her while at Boise State.

It was revealed during the trial that the sexual assault victim's scholarship was reduced after the attack, while Ukwuachu remained on full scholarship, according to The Dallas Morning News reported.

Ukwuachu's motion for retrial was denied in October and is pending appeal.

Follow @davejourno

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