Former Xavier basketball coach accused of sexually abusing player

Former Xavier assistant women's basketball coach Bryce McKey has been accused of sexually abusing a player during his time at the school.

Former Xavier and current Maryland assistant women's basketball coach Bryce McKey has been accused of sexually abusing a player.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports a complaint has been filed against McKey, 29, now an assistant coach at Maryland, by a former player alleging that he sexually abused her at his home in Northern Kentucky. The Enquirer reports authorities are seeking a charge of misdemeanor sexual abuse.

McKey was scheduled to be arraigned in a Kentucky district court Friday morning, but his misdemeanor arraignment was rescheduled for Sept. 8. McKey, who was suspended indefinitely by Maryland, faces up to 90 days in jail and a $250 fine, if he is convicted the charge.  

According to the Enquirer, the 20-year old player alleges in the complaint that on May 2, McKey asked her to come to his home.

After she arrived, he “offered her alcohol and after a few drinks, he touched her buttocks on two occasions without her permission,” according to the complaint. The complaint also states he pulled her close for a hug as she was leaving, and the player felt he was attempting to kiss her.

McKey, who was not a Xavier employee at the time, reportedly offered the alleged victim money through a mutual friend to not pursue charges.

According to theWashington Post, the player's attorney, Walter Madison, says McKey invited another Xavier player to his home after the complainant left that night. The second woman has not filed charges but has alleged sexual abuse by McKey. Madison is also representing the second alleged victim, whose allegation is being investigated as a felony.

The Postreports McKey began recruiting the alleged victim while she was in late grade school and throughout her high school career. He reportedly invited her to his home on May 2 under the premise they would be saying goodbye after he accepted a job at Maryland, which was announced April 22.

Joseph Feldhaus, general counsel for Xavier, said the school is not investigating McKey.

“What I have been informed about the matter is that the alleged incidents occurred after Bryce McKey left Xavier’s employment. So he’s not an employee of ours. No one has ever told us that any incident occurred while he was employed by us,” Feldhaus said, according to the Post.

- Jeremy Woo and Scooby Axson