A female student who reported she was sexually assaulted by former University of Evansville men’s basketball coach Walter McCarty has hired a national law firm to “investigate and represent her in a potential action against the coach and the university,” according to a press release sent to multiple media outlets.

The statement, released by the victim’s attorney, Michelle Simpson Tuegel, read in part;

“This was the classic power imbalance. He was the town sweetheart, grew up in Evansville, returned after a successful NBA career and coached the basketball team to national success. When McCarty saw that the victim was in too vulnerable a position to protest his behavior toward her, he assaulted her. Thankfully, she reached out to a friend for support and the assault was reported to the university.”

“It’s clear that my client wasn’t the only victim. We have been informed that other women have come forward about McCarty’s sexual misconduct. It’s important that other survivors of this man’s acts know that they’re not alone, and we would encourage them to reach out to someone to report the misconduct. These women deserve to learn and work in an environment free of sexual violence and sexual harassment. My client asks that the community remain supportive of the men’s basketball team, as well as the additional survivors who have come forward.” “This was the classic power imbalance. He was the town sweetheart, grew up in Evansville, returned after a successful NBA career and coached the basketball team to national success. When McCarty saw that the victim was in too vulnerable a position to protest his behavior toward her, he assaulted her. Thankfully, she reached out to a friend for support and the assault was reported to the university.”

McCarty was placed on leave back on December 26th, and then terminated nearly a month later. On January 22nd, McCarty issued a statement denying any allegations surrounding his dismissal.