MINNEAPOLIS _ Basketball standout Reggie Lynch said Thursday he is accepting his expulsion from the University of Minnesota even though he has been falsely accused of sexual misconduct, because he can't get a fair hearing.
That means Lynch's short-lived, controversy-filled tenure with the Gophers is over on the court and off.
"I did not commit any of the acts I'm accused of," Lynch read from a statement in his first public comments on the allegations. "In today's climate, people automatically assume you're guilty ... I am angry there's no real way to defend myself."
He made the announcement in a small conference room in his lawyer's high-rise office with his mother, Marlene, and lawyer Ryan Pacyga at his side. Lynch and his mother each read short statements before Pacyga launched a 30-minute a critique of the current climate that he says overprotects alleged victims of sexual assault while trampling the rights of the accused.
"I have become a victim of false allegations," Lynch read, adding that he has worked his whole life to play in the NBA and that he and his family will "have to overcome" what happened at Minnesota.
Marlene Lynch said her son is a "happy and harmless young man who has been a valuable part of this community."
Neither of the women who filed Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) complaints against Lynch in October wanted to comment Thursday, nor did their attorney Amy Isenor.
University officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.
