A former assistant coach for the University of Nebraska women’s basketball team has admitted under oath to having a sexual relationship with a player at the center of an ongoing federal lawsuit, according to recently filed court documents.
Chuck Love, who previously denied the allegations, acknowledged the relationship during a Feb. 5, 2026, deposition, marking a significant development in the case brought by former player Ashley Scoggin.
Ms. Scoggin first filed the lawsuit in February 2024, accusing Mr. Love and university officials of misconduct, abuse of power and violations of Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education. She alleges that Mr. Love groomed her into a sexual relationship and that the university failed to properly handle the situation.
According to court filings, the relationship became known in February 2022 during a team trip, when teammates discovered Ms. Scoggin in Mr. Love’s hotel room. Days later, Ms. Scoggin was dismissed from the team, despite having started all 25 games that season.
The lawsuit claims Ms. Scoggin feared retaliation if she did not comply with Mr. Love’s advances and describes a power imbalance between the coach and player. It also alleges that Nebraska officials mishandled the investigation and failed to provide a fair and neutral process.
Mr. Love was initially suspended with pay following the 2022 incident and later resigned from his position. His recent admission contradicts earlier legal filings in which he denied any improper relationship.
The case has since expanded to include additional university officials, with Ms. Scoggin alleging broader institutional failures in addressing her complaints. Nebraska has denied wrongdoing, stating that issues of trust within the team justified her removal.
After leaving Nebraska, Ms. Scoggin transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she completed her collegiate career and graduated in 2024.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for alleged violations of Ms. Scoggin’s civil rights, as well as emotional distress and the loss of her position on the team. No trial date has been set.
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