Former UC Berkeley softball player files lawsuit against university and ex-coach over alleged sexual misconduct

<p>A former University of California, Berkeley softball player has filed a lawsuit against the university and former head coach Chelsea Spencer, alleging that Spencer used her authority to pressure the player into a sexual relationship and threatened her playing time if she ended it. The complaint was filed on August 24 in Alameda County Superior Court.</p><p>The lawsuit claims that the university failed to intervene and allowed Spencer to remain in her position for several months after athletic department staff became aware of the alleged relationship. Spencer resigned in June 2022, four months after receiving a multi-year contract extension. A subsequent investigation by the university reportedly found that Spencer violated campus policy regarding conflicts of interest in consensual relationships, although the lawsuit does not specify the timeline of the investigation or Spencer's level of cooperation.</p><p>A spokesperson for UC Berkeley declined to comment on the lawsuit or the investigation when contacted by OutKick. The former player is represented by the Slater Slater Schulman law firm. Attorney Gizem Gures emphasized the university's responsibility to protect its students in a statement to USA Today Sports, expressing disappointment in the university's response to the situation.</p><p>The complaint alleges that Spencer's advances began in fall 2023 after the unnamed player joined the team as a transfer student. It states that Spencer contacted the player daily through phone calls and text messages, which eventually became romantic in nature. The lawsuit claims that Spencer made comments such as, "you’re so beautiful" and "your girlfriend is so lucky," and gave gifts, including cash.</p><p>When the player began to ignore Spencer's messages, the lawsuit alleges that Spencer retaliated by reducing her playing time. The complaint states, "When Plaintiff did not provide Spencer the attention she demanded, Spencer yelled at Plaintiff, treated her differently, and reduced or withheld Plaintiff's playing opportunities." The former player claims that Spencer's conduct and the university's negligence caused her severe emotional distress and forced her to end her collegiate softball career prematurely. She is seeking a jury trial and damages for personal injuries and other losses.</p>