Controversy Surrounds Bills’ First-Round Pick Maxwell Hairston Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Buffalo Bills rookie Maxwell Hairston has been named in a lawsuit for sexual assault and intentional emotional distress. Filed in U.S. District Court in Kentucky, the suit alleges the incident took place when Hairston was a 17-year-old freshman at the University of Kentucky.

On the night of March 24, 2021, and into the early hours of March 25, Hairston allegedly entered a woman’s dorm room without permission. The woman states she repeatedly told him she was tired and didn’t want to engage sexually, but he proceeded to remove her pajama shorts and assaulted her. After the incident, the woman reported it to the police and underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exam. The emotional impact of the event led her to transfer out of the university, as the environment became unbearable for her.

Lauren Edmunds, the woman’s attorney, emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating that it aims to highlight the serious issue of sexual assault on college campuses and in sports.

This incident is not the first time Hairston has faced accusations. In 2022, a female student shared details on social media about her claims against him. Although the university’s crime log noted an investigation for first-degree rape and burglary, no criminal charges were filed. Furthermore, a Title IX hearing did not result in any action from the school.

After selecting Hairston with the 30th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bills organization referred to comments made by general manager Brandon Beane about the allegations. Beane asserted that the team’s thorough investigation indicated Hairston’s integrity. He mentioned that all teams were aware of the Title IX issue and noted Hairston’s willingness to take a polygraph test.

Despite no immediate response from Hairston’s representatives, the lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages and calls for a jury trial.

Statistics show that nearly 1 in 5 women in college experience sexual assault, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This underscores the urgency of addressing such incidents in academic and athletic environments. As conversations about consent and accountability continue to evolve, the outcome of Hairston’s case could shape future policies around handling sexual assault allegations in sports.

Though Hairston faced a minor hamstring injury during the Bills’ minicamp, the team anticipates he will be ready for training camp.



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