ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Atlanta Falcons have let go of assistant coach LaTroy Lewis amid serious allegations of sexual assault from 2024. The news broke after the Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed they are investigating these claims related to Lewis’s time at the University of Michigan.
The allegations were first shared on social media by reporter Justin Spiro. The police stated they opened an investigation on December 5, 2024, after receiving reports about the incident. They acknowledged that the investigation is still very much active.
Initially, the police did not name a suspect. However, it was later confirmed that Lewis is being investigated. The Falcons fired him just hours after they announced they were gathering information regarding the claims.
Lewis worked at Michigan from 2022 to early 2025, first as a graduate assistant and then as an assistant defensive line coach. The accuser met Lewis via a dating app and primarily communicated through text messages and social media. They met in person for the first time in December 2024 during a work-related trip, where the alleged assault took place after she sought a meeting to return some gifts.
According to Karen Truszkowski, the woman’s lawyer, what transpired was severe. She claimed that the interaction turned violent, stating, “He raped her, assaulted her, beat her up.”
The day after the alleged assault, the woman reported the incident to Michigan coach Sherrone Moore. Truszkowski shared that although there was no prior physical relationship, the woman sought his guidance as the head coach. Unfortunately, Moore allegedly dismissed her concerns and even pursued an inappropriate relationship with her afterward.
Ellen Michaels, Moore’s attorney, disputed these claims. She asserted that Moore did not ignore the situation, did not engage in misconduct, and did not harass anyone.
A personal protective order case against Lewis was initiated by the woman in Washtenaw County court, although no documents are publicly available yet. Additionally, a separate police incident involving Lewis and the same woman was reported in January 2025, but it was closed due to insufficient evidence for any criminal charges.
Lewis was hired by the Falcons after the alleged assault happened, just weeks before being let go. The controversy surrounding Lewis adds to the ongoing issues within Michigan’s football program, which has recently faced its share of scandals.
The fallout surrounding these events has raised questions about the responsibility of institutions in addressing such serious allegations. It’s clear there’s a need for better support systems and accountability within athletic programs.
As a broader context, cases of sexual misconduct in sports have become more prominent in recent years, leading to heightened awareness and calls for change. According to a survey from the advocacy group “End Rape on Campus,” nearly one in five women on college campuses experience sexual violence. This data underscores an ongoing struggle in combating abuse in various domains, including sports.
The situation remains fluid, and more information may surface as investigations continue. Michigan’s spokesperson emphasized the need for anyone with information to come forward as inquiries into the allegations proceed.
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Atlanta Falcons, Michigan Wolverines, College Football, NFL
