Bad News Bears: More Baylor Allegations Cite Art Briles

The fallout at Baylor University regarding both the coaching staff and university leadership’s knowledge of repeated off-the-field incidents involving its football players continues to grow since the firing of Head Coach Art Briles.

An investigation found multiple scenarios of a lack of accountability at Baylor. The report ultimately lead to the dismissal of Briles, University President and Chancellor Kenneth Starr (who was originally removed only as the university president and later resigned as chancellor).

Athletic director Ian McCaw also resigned following the allegations of prior knowledge to these reported off the field incidents.

That about does it. pic.twitter.com/N0W8rtDUir
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) May 26, 2016

Joe Schad, formerly of ESPN, released a report on his personal Facebook page detailing several alleged incident between former Baylor running back Devin Chafin and Baylor graduate Dolores Lozano that were covered up with the help of Briles, members of his coaching staff, and multiple university employees.

The full report and photos provided from Lozano can be found here on Schad’s Facebook page.

Schad shared a detailed list of alleged incidents provided by Lozano’s attorney:

"According to a statement of facts prepared by Lozano’s attorneys, Chafin “slapped,” “kicked,” “slammed Lozano against the wall,” and “choked Lozano until she lost feeling in her body,” in March of 2014. Lozano states in April of 2014, Chafin “slammed” her against a vehicle. Later in April of 2014, Lozano alleges Chafin “forcibly and aggressively grabbed” her and “slammed” her “to he ground.”"

After the first alleged incident, Lozano contacted Chafin’s mother and Baylor assistant coach Jeff Lebby, who is also Briles’ son-in-law. Lozano also claims Chafin spoke with Art Briles about the situation, and that Briles warned him to “stay away from her.

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Lebby is still a member of the Baylor football coaching staff and serves as the passing game coordinator/running backs coach.

LaPrise Williams, the Baylor acrobatics and tumbling coach at the time, allegedly asked Lozano about the severe bruises on her body. Williams reportedly brought the issue to her superior Nancy Post, who is currently the Associate Athletics Director / Senior Woman Administrator and a graduate of Baylor’s Business School. Williams also reportedly contacted Baylor Chaplain Wes Yeary and some of the counsellors at Baylor.

Chafin never faced any charges or discipline from either police or Baylor University for the alleged incidents. He was, however, kicked off the Baylor football team and dismissed from the university for marijuana possession charges.

Related Story: The Day Waco Stood Still

In April of 2014, Schad reports Lozano contacted Waco Police two weeks after an alleged assault, yet Chafin played the following season under Art Briles.

Baylor University released this statement to Schad regarding the newest allegations regarding Baylor’s knowledge of continued assaults committed by its student athletes.

"“We are committed to learning from the experience of our students and former students as Baylor implements the improvements identified in the Pepper Hamilton recommendations. Because of the complex nature of dating and domestic violence, even when complainants report abuse to the police, their school and others, complainants may be reluctant to move forward with a campus or criminal investigation.In developing informed and sensitive responses, we must be op to understanding the unique dynamics of dating and domestic violence, including individual barriers and safety considerations, and to support our students as they evaluate their options. Further, we are actively taking steps to ensure all of our students understand and trust the full range of resources available to them.”"

Schad did speak to Chafin, who says he did grab Lozano, but he never injured her and was never contacted by Waco Police. He claims “he never threw her to the ground, kicked her or choked her.” The former running back claims Lozano craves the spotlight and the story is false.

"“The story has been falsely constructed. No one knows the entire story. This girl is not who she claims to be.” Chafin said he never discussed the situation with former head coach Art Briles, but did with current assistant Jeff Lebby… Chafin said he has no knowledge of Lebby sharing their conversation. Chafin said Lozano did have direct contact with Lebby, who today declined immediate comment.“Coach Lebby told me to calm down,” Chafin said. “I was emotional. I was crying. I needed to talk to somebody.”“I was never interviewed by Waco Police,” Chafin said. “She would not leave my house. I honestly don’t know what bruising I caused. But there were no criminal charges for a reason.”“Right now, they want to clear (Briles and other university employees) names of anything related to assault. “People are looking at me like I abuse women and I don’t. It’s hard.”“I feel I have not done anything wrong. My hopes of the NFL are hurt severely right now but hopefully not gone.”“The President and the football coach are not the people to be contacting in cases of serious assault. Contact the police, not coaches. Go to the police.”"

Lozano is one of many women filing lawsuits, including Title IX’s, against the university with claims of neglect and cover ups.

Former Boise State and Baylor player Sam Ukwuachu was found guilty of sexually assaulting a Baylor soccer player in 2015. He was sentenced to only 180 days in prison, with 10 years of felony probation and 400 hours of community service. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The jury found Ukwuachu, 22, guilty of sexual assault in an October 2013 incident involving a former Baylor soccer player.
— Tommy Witherspoon (@TSpoonFeed) August 21, 2015

Ukwuachu was dismissed from Boise State prior to being brought in by Briles, who allegedly knew yet disregarded of past events regarding Ukwuachu off the field.

Below is the statement from Art Briles regarding the alleged knowledge of Ukwuachu’s issues.

"“I was contacted by Coach Petersen at Boise State in Spring 2013 and he told me he had a player from Texas who needed to get closer to home and that he thought our program would be a good spot for him,” said Briles. “I know and respect Coach Petersen and he would never recommend a student-athlete to Baylor that he didn’t believe in. In our discussion, he did not disclose that there had been violence toward women, but he did tell me of a rocky relationship with his girlfriend which contributed to his depression. The only disciplinary action I was aware of were team-related issues, insubordination of coaches and missing practice.Oct 8, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies coach Chris Peterson reacts during the game against the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports“In addition, I talked with Tony Heath, his high school coach, who gave us a great recommendation.“As required with any transfer to Baylor, Boise State acknowledged that he was not suspended due to any institutional disciplinary reasons and further that he was eligible for competition if he chose to return to Boise State.”"

Boise State Head Coach Chris Peterson denied he never mentioned the alleged issues.

"“After Sam Ukwuachu was dismissed from the Boise State football program and expressed an interest in transferring to Baylor, I initiated a call with coach Art Briles,” Petersen said in the statement. “In that conversation, I thoroughly apprised Coach Briles of the circumstances surrounding Sam’s disciplinary record and dismissal.”"

The entire report from NFL Mocks regarding the Ukwuachu trial and Art Briles involvement can be found below.

Baylor University said it would launch a “comprehensive internal inquiry into the circumstances associated with the case and the conduct of the offices involved.”

The full report from Joe Schad can be found here as well as pictures and interviews from all parties in this situation.

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Bad News Bears: More Baylor Allegations Cite Briles Being Aware of Off-field Situations

By George Stockburger | Jun 8, 2016