Latest news with #Granger
Miami Herald
18 hours ago
- Miami Herald
HBCU AD being sued for $1 million over alleged SA
HOUSTON – HBCU Texas Southern University placed a senior Vice President of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Kevin Granger on official on leave after a civil lawsuit accused him of sexual assault and harassment. A university staff member filed the suit, naming Granger as the defendant. The plaintiff filed the lawsuit on June 2, 2025, in Harris County District Court. She claims Granger made unwanted physical contact that caused bodily injury. Attorney Tony Buzbee's law firm represents the plaintiff, who seeks over \$1 million in damages, including legal fees and interest. The filing requests a Level 3 Discovery Control Plan under Texas law. This type of plan suggests the case involves complex matters. The plaintiff also requested a trial by jury. Texas Southern, a leading HBCU, responded by confirming it knew about the lawsuit and emphasized its commitment to safety. In a statement to HBCU Gameday, the university said: "Texas Southern University became aware of the allegations involving a senior member of the leadership team following the filing of civil litigation. The University takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, as the safety of our students, student-athletes, and employees is our top priority. As a standard practice, the University does not comment on pending litigation." The university also sent a message to alumni and staff. It explained that it launched an independent investigation and placed the executive on leave to ensure a fair review. While the lawsuit does not name Texas Southern as a defendant, the university said it would uphold its policies and values throughout the process. This situation continues to gain attention across the HBCU community. With more details of the accusations now public, many are watching how the case unfolds. HBCU Gameday will provide further updates as new information emerges. The post HBCU AD being sued for $1 million over alleged SA appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
HBCU administrator hit with lawsuit by Tony Buzbee's law firm
The post HBCU administrator hit with lawsuit by Tony Buzbee's law firm appeared first on ClutchPoints. An HBCU administrator has been hit with a lawsuit filed by Tony Buzbee's law firm. Texas Southern Athletic Director Kevin Granger has been accused of sexual assault by a staff member and has been placed on leave as the university investigates the incident. Per a statement obtained by KHOU 11 on Monday, The Buzbee Law Firm claimed Granger had invited the staff member into his office, where he proceeded to ask her if she was recording him. The statement said he went on to ask her 'increasingly vulgar and graphic' questions and ultimately asked her for sex while he inappropriately touched her. Buzbee's law firm also claims Granger told the woman he could 'help her career' if she complied with his requests. 'The lawsuit further details that (the alleged victim) bravely resisted Granger's advances and was ultimately able to extricate herself from Granger's office,' the statement says. 'Reports have been made with the Houston Police Department, the EEOC, and the Human Resources department at TSU.' Texas Southern issued a statement obtained by HBCU Legends, saying, 'Dear Tigers and Tiger Families, In the coming days, you may see media coverage regarding allegations of misconduct involving a senior member of the Texas Southern University leadership team. This afternoon, the university was made aware of these serious allegations through the filing of a civil lawsuit. While the university is not named as a party in the litigation, please be assured that Texas Southern University takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. In alignment with our policies and values, we have initiated an independent investigation to ensure a fair and thorough review of the matter. The executive in question has been placed on administrative leave. The safety and well-being of all members of our community, students, student-athletes, faculty, and staff, remain our highest priority. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter and to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, the university will not offer any further comments at this time. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.' Tony Buzbee and the Buzbee Law Firm has been linked to several high-profile cases involving alleged sexual misconduct. In December, Buzbee issued a lawsuit against Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, for allegedly drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Carter vehemently denied the allegations and Buzbee ultimately dropped his lawsuit. In April, Buzbee filed a case against Shannon Sharpe for alleged sexual assault. The 13-page, $50 million lawsuit was filed in Nevada alleging Sharpe had committed assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery, and that he engaged in the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
HBCU AD accused of sexual assault
HOUSTON – An HBCU athletics official has been placed on leave after serious allegations surfaced this week. Dr. Kevin Granger, the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas Southern University, is facing a sexual assault accusation. A university staff member made the claim in a lawsuit filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee's law firm. The HBCU administrator is accused of asking vulgar, graphic questions and inappropriately touching the staff member. KHOU 11 first reported the details. Texas Southern University confirmed to HBCU Legends that Dr. Granger has been placed on administrative leave. The university is now conducting an investigation. In a public statement, Texas Southern addressed the lawsuit and confirmed the action taken: "In the coming days, you may see media coverage regarding allegations of misconduct involving a senior member of the Texas Southern University leadership team… We have initiated an independent investigation to ensure a fair and thorough review of the matter. The executive in question has been placed on administrative leave." The university is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Still, the situation has gained attention in the HBCU community. Texas Southern said the safety of students, faculty, staff, and student-athletes is its top priority. Dr. Granger is a former standout basketball player at TSU. He has served in athletics leadership for years. His work has helped shape Texas Southern's athletic programs-one of the most visible in the HBCU landscape. HBCU Legends will continue to track this story and share updates as they become available. This case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in HBCU leadership. As the investigation unfolds, many in the HBCU world will be watching for next steps and outcomes. The post HBCU AD accused of sexual assault appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Rockford restaurant owner faces federal arson charges for fire that destroyed his business
The owner of a popular burger stand that was destroyed by fire faces federal arson charges. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging that James Purifoy, 50, "maliciously damaged and destroyed, by means of fire and explosive materials, a building at 201 15th Ave. in Rockford, Illinois." The building was known as 15th & Chris, a business Purifoy owned and operated from July 2014 until the night of the fire, Jan. 22, 2023. In the days following the fire, Purifoy — through his attorney Elder Granger II — claimed he was attacked by three men wearing hoodies who beat him and knocked him unconscious before they set his business on fire and left him for dead. More: Rockford restaurant 15th and Chris demolished a year after fire Purifoy escaped the fire, Granger said, and was attempting to drive home to check on his family when police found him passed out in his vehicle. Granger said Purifoy was badly injured, suffering third-degree burns on 25% of his body. Granger said Purifoy was being threatened by a Mexican drug cartel and that in the weeks leading up to the fire, his client received emails and text messages demanding money. The fire was under investigation for more than two years by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockford Fire Department and the Rockford Police Department. If convicted, Purifoy faces 5 to 20 years in federal prison. An arraignment is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 27 at the Stanley J. Roszkowski United States Courthouse in Rockford. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Register Star app Corina Curry is the editor of the Rockford Register Star. She can be reached at ccurry@ This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford restaurant owner faces arson charges in 2023 fire
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Rockford restaurant owner faces federal arson charges for fire that destroyed his business
The owner of a popular burger stand that was destroyed by fire faces federal arson charges. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging that James Purifoy, 50, "maliciously damaged and destroyed, by means of fire and explosive materials, a building at 201 15th Ave. in Rockford, Illinois." The building was known as 15th & Chris, a business Purifoy owned and operated from July 2014 until the night of the fire, Jan. 22, 2023. In the days following the fire, Purifoy — through his attorney Elder Granger II — claimed he was attacked by three men wearing hoodies who beat him and knocked him unconscious before they set his business on fire and left him for dead. More: Rockford restaurant 15th and Chris demolished a year after fire Purifoy escaped the fire, Granger said, and was attempting to drive home to check on his family when police found him passed out in his vehicle. Granger said Purifoy was badly injured, suffering third-degree burns on 25% of his body. Granger said Purifoy was being threatened by a Mexican drug cartel and that in the weeks leading up to the fire, his client received emails and text messages demanding money. The fire was under investigation for more than two years by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockford Fire Department and the Rockford Police Department. If convicted, Purifoy faces 5 to 20 years in federal prison. An arraignment is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 27 at the Stanley J. Roszkowski United States Courthouse in Rockford. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Register Star app Corina Curry is the editor of the Rockford Register Star. She can be reached at ccurry@ This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford restaurant owner faces arson charges in 2023 fire
