Maxwell Hairston finds himself at the center of a significant legal battle, one that traces back to his freshman year at the University of Kentucky. This stunning revelation comes as a civil lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court, bringing to light allegations of an incident that occurred in March 2021.
According to the former University of Kentucky student, Hairston, who at the time was a minor and is now stepping into the professional realm with the Buffalo Bills, sexually assaulted her in her dorm room. The claimant asserts that their initial interaction took place early in 2021, outside their shared residence hall on campus.
The lawsuit describes the event in alarming detail. Per Rebecca Hendryx’s account, Hairston allegedly forced his way into her dorm room uninvited and made advances that she resisted. Despite her efforts to fend him off, including stating her lack of interest and physically resisting, Hairston reportedly continued his unwanted advances.
The serious nature of these allegations is underscored by the claimant’s immediate actions following the incident. Hendryx reported the assault to the police within hours and underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exam at a hospital, where forensic evidence, including a used condom, was reportedly found in her dorm room.
Hendryx subsequently transferred away from Kentucky in 2021, citing severe anxiety as the reason for her departure. This timeline corresponds with Hairston’s athletic journey, which saw him play three seasons at Kentucky before being picked in the first round by the Bills, where he is now vying for a coveted starting position at cornerback.
The Buffalo Bills, well aware of these serious allegations, opted to maintain silence in response to the lawsuit, having acknowledged the issue months prior. During the April draft, General Manager Brandon Beane addressed the matter publicly, stating the team had conducted a thorough investigation into the 2021 sexual assault claims. Beane described Hairston as “an impeccable kid,” suggesting the investigation had not uncovered any substantiating evidence against Hairston.
As Hairston navigates the early stages of his NFL career with substantial promise, these allegations cast a shadow, presenting both personal and professional challenges. The legal proceedings are bound to unfold with keen interest from both the public and the fast-paced world of professional sports.