Lexington, KY, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Lars Jorgensen, former head swim coach at the University of Kentucky, has been permanently banned from coaching by the U.S. Center for SafeSport after multiple misconduct allegations. This includes a lawsuit filed by former swimmers claiming sexual assault. The situation underscores the urgent need for accountability in collegiate athletics. Jorgensen’s ban prevents him from coaching in youth sports and comes amid ongoing legal proceedings scheduled for a jury trial in 2026.
Lexington, KY – Lars Jorgensen, the former head swim coach at the University of Kentucky, has been permanently banned from coaching by the U.S. Center for SafeSport following multiple allegations of misconduct. This decision prevents Jorgensen from participating in youth sports under the purview of the center, including his past affiliations with both USA Swimming and the U.S. Tennis Association.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport, established by Congress in 2017, is responsible for addressing and resolving abuse and misconduct complaints in Olympic sports. In this instance, Jorgensen faces serious accusations including the existence of an intimate relationship characterized by a power imbalance, physical misconduct, sexual harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct.
Jorgensen, who previously represented the United States at the 1988 Olympics, has the option to appeal the Center’s ruling. Student-athletes were informed of this decision over the weekend, signifying a significant development in ongoing investigations concerning the coach’s conduct.
In addition to the sanctions from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, legal actions have also emerged against Jorgensen. Two former UK swimmers, identified as Briggs Alexander and “Jane Doe,” have initiated a lawsuit alleging that they were sexually assaulted by Jorgensen, including accusations of rape. The lawsuit also names the University of Kentucky and athletic director Mitch Barnhart, claiming that the institution ignored credible reports regarding Jorgensen’s inappropriate relationships.
Both Jorgensen and Barnhart have denied any wrongdoing in connection with these allegations. The lawsuit is set to move ahead, with a jury trial scheduled to commence on June 22, 2026, in the U.S. District Court in Lexington.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport retains the authority to investigate these allegations, implement sanctions, and oversee a public database of those sanctioned within Olympic sports. This strong regulatory framework was established as a direct response to the widespread abuse scandals that have emerged in recent years, most notably, the USA Gymnastics case involving former team physician Larry Nassar, who was sentenced up to 175 years for sexually assaulting young athletes.
The scrutiny over Jorgensen’s conduct comes after he resigned from his coaching position at the University of Kentucky in 2023 amid ongoing investigations into his behavior. The university has faced increased pressure to address and rectify issues related to inappropriate conduct within its athletic programs.
As the legal proceedings unfold and investigations continue, the impact of the case reverberates through the swimming community and the broader realm of collegiate athletics, accentuating the urgent need for accountability and safer environments for student-athletes.
FAQs
What are the main allegations against Lars Jorgensen?
Lars Jorgensen faces allegations of multiple forms of misconduct, including an intimate relationship with a power imbalance, physical misconduct, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Who has filed a lawsuit against Jorgensen?
The lawsuit has been filed by two former University of Kentucky swimmers, Briggs Alexander and “Jane Doe,” alleging that Jorgensen committed sexual assaults including rape.
What is the role of the U.S. Center for SafeSport?
The U.S. Center for SafeSport supervises abuse and misconduct claims in Olympic sports and has the authority to impose sanctions and maintain a public database of sanctioned individuals.
When is the jury trial scheduled to start?
The jury trial regarding the allegations against Jorgensen is scheduled to begin on June 22, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Lexington.
Can Jorgensen appeal the Center’s decision?
Yes, Jorgensen has the right to appeal the decision made by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accusations | Multiple forms of misconduct including sexual harassment and power imbalance. |
| Sanctioning Authority | U.S. Center for SafeSport, established by Congress in 2017. |
| Legal Actions | Ongoing lawsuit filed by former swimmers against Jorgensen and UK. |
| Upcoming Trial Date | June 22, 2026, in U.S. District Court, Lexington. |
| Jorgensen’s Background | Former Olympic swimmer, resigned from coaching in 2023. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1: Lars Jorgensen Kentucky Swim
- Wikipedia: SafeSport
- Kentucky.com: UK Coach Sanctioned
- Google Search: Lars Jorgensen swimming
- SwimSwam: UC-Kentucky Swimming Programs Eliminated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Harassment
- UK Athletics: Ivan Sanchez Hired
- Google News: Lars Jorgensen University of Kentucky
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