Former Golden Gophers basketball standout Reggie Lynch announced Thursday morning in a press conference with his lawyer that he will be ending his attempt at appeal in two cases of sexual misconduct, citing a perceived lack of fairness in the university’s appeals process.
Reggie Lynch won’t continue with his appeal, but maintains innocence. This will end his time with the #Gophers. “We do not feel the appeal climate will be fair,” Lynch’s mom said.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) February 15, 2018
Lynch, a senior, faced a recommendation of expulsion for one of the two allegations. By dropping the appeal, he accepts the expulsion, bringing an official end to his Minnesota basketball career.
Lawyer Ryan Pacyga spoke for approximately 40 minutes Thursday morning, outlining why he believes the accusers made false allegations. Lynch, last year’s Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, was accused of sexual misconduct in separate incidents that occurred in April and May 2016. He was also cleared of a third incident prior to the 2016-17 basketball season.
“I have become a victim of false allegations,” Lynch said in a prepared statement at the press conference, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune‘s Rochelle Olson.
Reggie Lynch’s lawyer says term “victim” shouldn’t be used. Should be accuser and accused until proven otherwise.
— Rochelle Olson (@rochelleolson) February 15, 2018
Lynch was set to appear at two hearings in the next week to determine the two cases but opted to withdraw from the process.
“If he does miraculously win, people will say ‘He’s a rapist that got off. He’s still a rapist,’ Pacyga said, according to the Star Tribune. “And if he loses … It’s proven that he’s a rapist. It’s a zero-sum game for Reggie Lynch. Somebody had to stand up and say ‘I’m not going to participate in this process if it’s not fair.’ Today that person is Reggie Lynch.”
Lynch’s next step is likely to pursue a professional basketball career. His absence on the court has coincided with a 1-11 skid for the Gophers, who have also dealt with numerous injuries.