Former USU Football Player Who Blew the Whistle on University Misconduct to Receive $150k in Retaliation Lawsuit
A former Utah State University (USU) football player who faced retaliation after exposing recordings of university misconduct will receive $150,000 in a settlement with the university. Patrick Maddox filed a lawsuit against the school last October, alleging that coaches and teammates retaliated against him for speaking out against sexual misconduct. Maddox’s lawsuit comes after his friend, Kaytri Flint, sued the university for mishandling her rape case and received $500,000 in a settlement last year.
The retaliation against Maddox reportedly began when he released videos in August 2021, which showed USU police and coaches addressing the team about sexual assault allegations. In the recordings, they allegedly asked the team to focus on playing good football and offered assistance if any players found themselves in legal trouble. The coach also made comments about Mormon women, warning them that they might falsely claim non-consensual sex. Maddox’s lawsuit argued that these recordings exposed the perpetuation of rape myths and a culture of rape within USU’s football team.
Following the release of the videos, Maddox claims he faced hostility from his team, with coaches encouraging a dangerous environment by accusing him of betraying the team. The lawsuit states that Maddox was informed he would no longer receive scholarships, and the football administration made it clear that the hostile environment would continue until he left the team.
USU has agreed to settle the case, although the university disputes the allegations made in Maddox’s lawsuit. It also asserts that retaliation against individuals who report sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited. In response to the incident, USU has implemented additional measures, such as annual training for students and employees on preventing sexual misconduct and mandatory training for coaches.
The settlement comes amid the arrest of another USU football player facing rape charges just days before. Once made aware of the allegations, the university promptly dismissed the player from the team. Both Maddox and Flint find it deeply troubling to hear about these recent allegations, highlighting the ongoing nature of the problem.
Maddox expressed his hope that USU will take this issue seriously and create a safer campus environment. He questioned whether the university is truly doing everything in its power to protect its students, as similar issues seem less prevalent in other institutions. Flint, having experienced abuse firsthand, emphasized the devastating impact on victims and urged the university to take significant steps toward positive change.
With the settlement reached, both Maddox and Flint aim for Utah State to move forward in a more proactive and constructive direction. The resolution of this case opens opportunities for reflection and improvement within the university. It remains to be seen how USU will address the concerns raised by Maddox and Flint and ensure the welfare and protection of its students.
