Latest news with #TexasSouthern
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU administrator responds to sexual assault allegations
The post HBCU administrator responds to sexual assault allegations appeared first on ClutchPoints. Texas Southern Athletic Director Kevin Granger is denying all allegations of sexual assault after a lawsuit was filed by Tony Buzbee's law firm. Granger has been placed on leave as the university continues to investigate the incident. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Texas Southern staff member who alleges that Granger groped her vagina and breast and used vulgar language towards her while she was in his office. Granger is being represented by Attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins, who released a statement saying that the claims against Granger are untrue. 'These are serious allegations, and they deserve a serious response, which we will make at the appropriate time and in court,' Quinones-Hollins wrote. 'In the meantime, I can tell you that no sexual assault occurred, and any indication that it did is false. Dr. Granger is an incredibly well-respected part of the TSU community, and his work there, over many years, has created opportunities for the school and its students that did not exist before.' According to the lawsuit, Granger solicited a staff member for sex when she was in his office, claiming that doing so would 'help her career.' According to the lawsuit, Granger began by improperly feeling the victim down in inappropriate places and inquiring whether she was wearing a wire or filming him. For thirty-two years, Granger has been associated with Texas Southern first as a standout basketball player and then as an athletic administrator. In 2019, he was promoted to the position of athletic director. Granger has not commented on the allegations. On June 3, however, the university issued a press release claiming that it is aware of the accusations and is looking into them. 'Texas Southern University became aware of the allegations involving a senior member of the leadership team following the filing of civil litigation,' said the statement from Communications Manager Kerrigan Williams. '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.' On the other hand, Buzbee's sexual misconduct cases against prominent Black men, such as former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and rap moguls Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, have made him a more contentious figure. Also, on June 3, his office released a statement claiming that Granger used inappropriate language with the victim, who has not been named. 'The Buzbee Law Firm filed suit today in Harris County State Court on behalf of [the alleged victim] against Kevin Granger, Athletic Director for TSU. The case alleges that on April 30, 2025, Athletic Director Granger invited [the alleged victim] to his office. While there, Granger repeatedly asked [the alleged victim] if she was 'recording him' or 'wearing a wire' while he proceeded to inappropriately pat her down. The statement continued, 'The lawsuit further alleges that Granger continued to question [the alleged victim] about her relationship history and if she had ever been romantically involved with a colleague. According to the suit, Granger's questions became increasingly vulgar and graphic. As set forth in the lawsuit, Granger ultimately propositioned [the alleged victim] seeking sex while at the same time groping her breasts and vagina and manipulating her hand onto his erect penis. According to the facts set forth in detail in the suit, Granger told [the alleged victim] if she would comply with his requests, he could 'help her career.' 'The lawsuit further details that [the alleged victim] bravely resisted Granger's advances and was ultimately able to extricate herself from Granger's office. 'Reports have been made with the Houston Police Department, the EEOC, and the Human Resources department at TSU.' Related: Fisk University gymnastics program set to end next year Related: Kenny Latimore & Chanté Moore's son graduates from an HBCU
Miami Herald
6 days 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
Miami Herald
7 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
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Rebuilding HBCU football program lands ex-FBS quarterback
Former Kennesaw State and Louisville quarterback Khalib Johnson announced recently on social media that he has found his new college football home in HBCU football at Texas Southern. Johnson decided to commit to Texas Southern after he entered the transfer portal on April 16. "TSU lets work !!," Johnson tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback played in three games for the Owls last season, throwing for 57 yards on 6-for-22 passes and three interceptions. Before his one-year stint at KSU, Johnson spent one season at Blinn College, playing seven games and throwing for 100 or more yards in four games. Johnson committed to Louisville out of high school in 2022. However, the Birmingham, Ala., native did not play in any games for the Cardinals. Entering Louisville, Johnson came from a winning pedigree at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Alabama, where he threw for more than 3,000 yards and tossed 40 touchdowns to help the program win a 6A Alabama state championship. He had offers from Louisville, Kansas, San Diego State, and South Florida and was ranked as the No. 721 prospect in the country by 247Sports. Khalib Johnson joins a Texas Southern program that struggled at quarterback during the 2024 HBCU football campaign due to injuries. TxSu alternated between quarterbacks Jace Wilson, who played in eight games last season, and Jordon Davis, who played in five games for the Tigers. Wilson, the 2023 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season and committed to Tennessee Tech on April 19. With Wilson's departure, Johnson will seek to compete for the Tigers' starting quarterback position under second-year football coach Cris Dishman. Texas Southern finished 5-6 overall and 4-4 in SWAC play. Offensively, the Tigers finished the season ranked eighth in scoring offense (21.2 PPG) and last in total offense (265.1 ypg) and pass offense (117.8) in the SWAC in 2024. The post Rebuilding HBCU football program lands ex-FBS quarterback appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former MEAC star returns to HBCU basketball
Texas Southern University just got a major boost to its basketball roster with the addition of Troy Hupstead, a dynamic forward making his return to HBCU basketball. Hupstead, who spent the 2024-25 season with UT Arlington, previously made his mark at Maryland Eastern Shore, where he was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7 standout built a reputation as a defensive anchor during his time at Maryland Eastern Shore, averaging impressive numbers in blocks, rebounds, and steals. His aggressive play style and high basketball IQ earned him the MEAC's top defensive honor and made him a force in the paint. After a year at UT Arlington, where he continued to develop his all-around game, Hupstead decided to bring his talents back to the HBCU world. His decision to join Texas Southern is seen as a homecoming of sorts. Texas Southern, a perennial powerhouse in the SWAC, has a rich history of winning championships and developing top-tier talent. For Hupstead, it's a chance to not only continue his career at a high level but also reconnect with the vibrant culture and competitive spirit of HBCU athletics. Texas Southern posted the news to its official Instagram account on Friday. 'Tiger fans, lets give a warm welcome to our new basketball signee Troy Hupstead from Mount Vernon, NY. Welcome to Texas Southern University,' the team posted. Hupstead's arrival brings defensive toughness to the championship culture that Johnny Jones has built in Houston. It's a Texas Southern squad that prides itself on gritty, high-energy basketball and with his ability to protect the rim and rebound, he is expected to be a cornerstone of the Tigers' campaign this upcoming season. Texas Southern fans have every reason to be excited - as Troy Hupstead returns back to HBCU basketball again. The post Former MEAC star returns to HBCU basketball appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
