Editor’s Note: This report contains graphic language detailing alleged sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and rape.

The Hustler is aware of at least eight allegations of sexual misconduct against Vanderbilt students and alumni, including football players. The Hustler has communicated with four of those who have come forward and will continue to report on this story as we are able. At this time, The Hustler is not reporting the names of accused individuals as we continue to investigate and attempt to contact involved parties. This story will be updated as more information becomes available to The Hustler.

Students and alumni came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and rape, against multiple current and former Vanderbilt football players via Twitter on June 20.

The accused football players have either not responded to requests for comment from The Hustler or denied the allegations.

A spokesperson for Vanderbilt University’s athletic department emailed the following statement to The Hustler on June 20, in response to questions about four of the allegations: 

“We are deeply committed to ensuring the safety of each and every member of our Vanderbilt community. Acts of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in any context are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Any reports of sexual misconduct are forwarded to the Title IX Office for follow-up.”

On June 21, Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee posted a nine tweet thread acknowledging the accusations and stating “these allegations are handled by [Vanderbilt’s] Title IX and student accountability offices.” Her Twitter statement was later republished on the Vanderbilt athletics’ website.

Lee also said in the statement, “As a former student-athlete myself and someone who has dedicated herself to this university, I have no greater duty than making sure that all of the young people who come through Vanderbilt stay as safe and healthy as possible, and are able to succeed.”

Student groups including Vanderbilt BSA, Vanderbilt CSA, Vanderbilt NAACP, the Alpha Gamma Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the Eta Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. have issued statements condemning sexual misconduct on Vanderbilt’s campus, supporting survivors and those who have been sharing their stories and calling for stronger allyship and accountability. 

On June 24, Interim Chancellor and Vice Provost Susan Wente and Athletic Director Lee also emailed a joint statement from the university addressing sexual misconduct and assault that read in part: “As women and mothers ourselves, our hearts go out to all whose lives have been forever altered by any such heinous acts. As leaders, we are committed to striving every day to provide the safest and healthiest environment possible for all of our students, and we are deeply sorry that this institution we have worked to lead has not been able to provide this for everyone.”

In response to the recent allegations, the university will be conducting a review of campus policies, processes and support systems to assess their effectiveness, per the statement. The review will then inform an action plan that will address process gaps and improve existing programs that are operated by Project Safe, the Title IX office, Vanderbilt athletics and other parts of the university to combat sexual misconduct, according to the university’s statement.

These accusations came seven years after four former Vanderbilt football players—Brandon Vandenburg, Cory Batey, Brandon Banks and Jaborian McKenzie—were charged with five counts of aggravated rape and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. In addition, Vandenburg was charged with tampering with evidence and unlawful photography.

Vandenburg was eventually sentenced to 17 years in prison. Batey and Banks were each sentenced to 15 years in prison, and McKenzie was sentenced to 10 years of probation as part of a plea deal, according to a 2018 New York Post article.

Kaleigh Clemons-Green was one of the students who came forward on June 20, 2020 and was willing to speak to The Hustler about her experience. Clemons-Green, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, graduated from Vanderbilt in May and was a member of the women’s basketball team. 

Clemons-Green said she decided to share her story because one of the other women that had posted allegations on Twitter was a mentor of hers at Vanderbilt.

“I didn’t want [my mentor] to feel like people don’t believe her,” Clemons-Green said. “Being another student-athlete as well, people think it can’t happen to us because we are student-athletes. They think that we have a voice with these things. It happens to even the ones people think are the strongest. I didn’t want her to feel alone and I wanted her to have some validation. This is not just an isolated incident.”

Clemons-Green said she first encountered her alleged assaulter prior to her arrival at Vanderbilt. She said she had met the former Vanderbilt football player through a mutual friend.

The alleged assault took place in 2018. Clemons-Green said she was spending time with the former football player in her dorm room, similar to previous encounters they’d had.

“Then it escalated,” Clemons-Green said. “He made a move, and I did not feel comfortable with it. I said no, but it progressed, and his aggressions started to get stronger. At that point, I told him seriously that he needed to stop.”

Once she threatened to start yelling, the former football player stopped, Clemons-Green said.

Clemons-Green said she reported the incident to Project Safe but not to the Title IX office.

“I wanted them to know the name in case it ever happened again to anyone else, but I did not want to report to the police. They just had his name in their database,” Clemons-Green said.

“It actually happened again with the [football player] to someone else,” Clemons-Green said. “[The victim] reported it, so that process was a little different just because he was a serial offender at this point. The second time it happened, they had to—by law—notify people that it happened a second time. So when it happened a second time, I was notified.”

Clemons-Green said she received the notice from Project Safe via email but does not know any information about the other alleged victim. 

The Hustler was not able to obtain a copy of the email from Clemons-Green or Project Safe, nor confirm that the athlete was reported to Project Safe.

“In accordance with best practices and to protect student privacy, Project Safe does not confirm that it is working or has worked with particular students, even when those students may have shared their experiences publicly,” Cara Tuttle Bell, Director at Project Safe, said in an email to The Hustler. 

“Survivor speak-outs of all forms can prompt a range of emotional responses, and we have been helping students process their experiences and feelings and offering guidance for how students can support their friends,” Tuttle Bell said. “Project Safe remains available 24 hours a day to support any member of the VU community who has been affected by sexual assault or other forms of intimate partner violence.”

“It seemed like there was a lack of accountability on the football side. He was getting in trouble on campus,” Clemons-Green said. “Because he was a football player, people were turning a blind eye to it.”

Other publications including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, 247 Sports and Bleacher Report have written about the recent allegations.

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Sex offender Bill Cosby’s bid for new trial rejected by judge

A FOOTBALLER is facing jail after admitting sexual activity with an underage girl.

Tyrell Robinson, 22, of South Ockendon, admitted three vile charges against him yesterday.

Robinson is a former Bradford City footballer and has been warned he could face jail after he admitted the sex offences, one against a 14-year-old girl.

Robinson admitted engaging in sexual activity with a child,

making an indecent image of a child and distributing an indecent image of a child, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

Robinson admitted engaging in sexual activity with the teenager in Bradford on August 13 2018.

He also admitted making and distributing an indecent image of a child via Snapchat on the same date.

He denied a further charge of distributing an indecent photograph of a child in December 2017, and the court heard the prosecution will not proceed with this count.

The winger, who was sacked by Bradford for gross misconduct after he was charged by police in February, arrived at court wearing a black face mask, white trainers, a dark red coat and cropped, grey, checked trousers.

He was granted bail until his sentencing and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register before he left court.

Judge Jonathan Rose said: “Dealing with you Robinson, you pleaded guilty to all matters save the last count.

“The prosecution will not seek to try you on that count.

“Your case is now adjourned to be sentenced.”

He continued: “You must not assume that the fact that I’m adjourning sentence and granting you bail is to mean that any particular sentence will be imposed upon you.

“All options will be open to the judge who deals with your case, and that will very much include the possibility of a prison sentence.”

A second defendant, Korrie Berman, 21, also from Essex, denied

five charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

He will go on trial on April 12 next year.

Robinson could go to prison for several years.

Robinson is a former Bradford City footballer and has been warned he could face jail after he admitted the sex offences, one against a 14-year-old girl.

Robinson admitted engaging in sexual activity with a child,

making an indecent image of a child and distributing an indecent image of a child, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

Robinson admitted engaging in sexual activity with the teenager in Bradford on August 13 2018.

He also admitted making and distributing an indecent image of a child via Snapchat on the same date.

He denied a further charge of distributing an indecent photograph of a child in December 2017, and the court heard the prosecution will not proceed with this count.

The winger, who was sacked by Bradford for gross misconduct after he was charged by police in February, arrived at court wearing a black face mask, white trainers, a dark red coat and cropped, grey, checked trousers.

He was granted bail until his sentencing and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register before he left court.

Judge Jonathan Rose said: “Dealing with you Robinson, you pleaded guilty to all matters save the last count.

“The prosecution will not seek to try you on that count.

“Your case is now adjourned to be sentenced.”

He continued: “You must not assume that the fact that I’m adjourning sentence and granting you bail is to mean that any particular sentence will be imposed upon you.

“All options will be open to the judge who deals with your case, and that will very much include the possibility of a prison sentence.”

A second defendant, Korrie Berman, 21, also from Essex, denied

five charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

He will go on trial on April 12 next year.

Robinson could go to prison for several years.

An area high school varsity coach has been charged with engaging “in an inappropriate relationship” with a 16-year-old girl.

Erin Koonz, of Kingston, was arrested on Friday, June 12, by investigators from the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center, reported the Ulster District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation into Koonz, 29, who was employed as head varsity field hockey coach at Kingston High School began in March after receiving a report of the inappropriate relationship with the 16-year-old, the advocacy center said.

The investigation revealed that during the month of February, Koonz and the juvenile female had engaged in illegal contact, they added.

Koonz was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse.

She was released with an appearance ticket, returnable to the Town of Ulster Court on a later date.

The center is staffed by numerous law enforcement and social services agencies.

Any information or questions may be referred to the Ulster County Family and Child Advocacy Center at 845-334-5155.

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A basketball coach who worked at a Minneapolis charter school and a youth organization sexually assaulted a child athlete in his care, according to charges filed Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court.

Aaron J. Hjermstad, 41, of Brooklyn Center, was charged with one count each of soliciting a child and second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The alleged victim was a preteen when he was assaulted in October and again in February while spending the night at Hjermstad’s home, the charges say.

The charges note that Hjermstad was a teacher at Mastery School and a basketball coach at Hospitality House Youth Development.

Emily Peterson, executive director of Mastery School, had no comment other than to confirm that Hjermstad was no longer employed there. He had been listed on the website as a physical education and health teacher. The school serves grades K-6.

The executive director and program director of Hospitality House, a north Minneapolis outreach group that focuses on urban youth, could not be reached for comment.

Hjermstad did not return messages left at a number listed for him; he had no attorney listed. He was charged via summons, meaning he is not in custody.

According to the complaint: Brooklyn Center police received a report March 5 that a boy had spent the night a week earlier at Hjermstad’s home and was asked by Hjermstad to perform a sex act in exchange for money. The boy was reportedly sleeping in Hjermstad’s bed while Hjermstad slept on the floor. The boy’s brother slept in another room.

Hjermstad was planning to take the boys to a game the next day, the complaint says.

The boy told an investigator that after he was propositioned by Hjermstad he left to tell his brother, but Hjermstad ordered him to return to the bedroom or face being pulled out of the game the next day, the complaint says. It says the boy’s mother reported that her son had been offered money not to cooperate with police. The charges do not say who made the alleged offer.

The boy also said that he had spent the night at Hjermstad’s home in October and was lying in bed when Hjermstad’s genitals touched his foot. There was a third, undated incident in which the boy awoke to find Hjermstad lying on top of him, the charges say.

The boy told an investigator that the coach made boys shower whenever they were at his house if they wanted to play video games.

“The defendant was previously accused of sexual assault by a player he coached,” the charges say. “That case is being reinvestigated.”

Twitter: @ChaoStrib

• Lonnie Walker IV of the San Antonio Spurs cut off his famous “pineapple” hair during the quarantine.
• The second-year shooting guard revealed that he had grown his hair out since the fifth grade as a “cloaking device” to cope with the sexual abuse he endured as a kid.
• “Me cutting my hair was more than a cut,” Walker wrote on Instagram. “My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurities that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new.”

Lonnie Walker IV chopped off his famous, sky-high locks.

The second-year San Antonio Spurs shooting guard posted a video to his Instagram of a barber buzzing off his “pineapple” hairstyle, which Walker had been growing out since he was in fifth grade. The 21-year-old also debuted his new, close-shaved look, but it was his explanation of the motivation behind his fresh cut that shocked the NBA world.

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In a lengthy caption posted alongside the haircutting video, Walker revealed that he had been sexually harassed, raped, and abused as a child and that he had long been using his signature hairdo as a “cloaking device.”

“I was a gullible curious kid that didn’t know what the real world was,” Walker wrote. “I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave my confidence.”

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Walker further explained that he had been struggling with “history popping up” in recent months but managed to use quarantine as an opportunity to reset and better himself mentally and emotionally.

“Because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors,” Walker wrote. “Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey.”

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The budding star said he’s learned to forgive people — even those who don’t deserve it — because carrying around negative energy is “dead weight.”

“Me cutting my hair was more than a cut,” Walker wrote. “My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurities that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new.”

“I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” he added. “Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your [sic] dealt with and try and make a winning hand.”Advertisement

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Check out the full video of Walker’s haircut below:

The real truth as to why i started doing this early 5th grade, it was a cloaking device for me. During the summer of my 5th grade year I was around more family. Some that names will be left alone I was around more. I was sexually harassed, raped, abused, I even got accustomed to it because being at that age you don’t know what is what. I was a gullible curious kid that didn’t know what the real world was. I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave my confidence. As of recently I wasn’t at my best. Previous History popping up in my head and it sucked mentally “demons”….. because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors. Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey god willingly. I forgave everyone even the people that don’t deserve it why? Because it’s dead weight. Time doesn’t wait on anyone so why should I waste my time on it ? Me cutting my hair was more than a cut. My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurity’s that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new. I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your dealt with and try and make a winning hand. And if you lose. It’s never a lost. It’s a lesson . I’m gonna be off this for awhile still growing through this. Just know I love each and everyone one of y’all. Peace love and happiness

A post shared by Lonnie Walker IV (@buddah) on Jun 11, 2020 at 5:52pm PDTJun 11, 2020 at 5:52pm PDT

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more of the story

A basketball coach who worked at a Minneapolis charter school and a youth organization sexually assaulted a child athlete in his care, according to charges filed Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court.

Aaron J. Hjermstad, 41, of Brooklyn Center, was charged with one count each of soliciting a child and second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The alleged victim was a preteen when he was assaulted in October and again in February while spending the night at Hjermstad’s home, the charges say.

The charges note that Hjermstad was a teacher at Mastery School and a basketball coach at Hospitality House Youth Development.

Emily Peterson, executive directory of Mastery School, had no comment other than to confirm that Hjermstad was no longer employed there. He had been listed on the website as a physical education and health teacher. The school serves grades K-6.

The executive director and program director of Hospitality House, a north Minneapolis outreach group that focuses on urban youth, could not be reached for comment.

Hjermstad did not return messages left at a number listed for him; he had no attorney listed. He was charged via summons, meaning he is not in custody.

According to the complaint: Brooklyn Center police received a report March 5 that a boy had spent the night a week earlier at Hjermstad’s home and was asked by Hjermstad to perform a sex act in exchange for money. The boy was reportedly sleeping in Hjermstad’s bed while Hjermstad slept on the floor. The boy’s brother slept in another room.

Hjermstad was planning to take the boys to a game the next day, the complaint says.

The boy told an investigator that after he was propositioned by Hjermstad he left to tell his brother, but Hjermstad ordered him to return to the bedroom or face being pulled out of the game the next day, the complaint says. Its says the boy’s mother reported that her son had been offered money not to cooperate with police. The charges do not say who made the alleged offer.

The boy also said that he had spent the night at Hjermstad’s home in October and was lying in bed when Hjermstad’s genitals touched his foot. There was a third, undated incident in which the boy awoke to find Hjermstad lying on top of him, the charges say.

The boy told an investigator that the coach made boys shower whenever they were at his house if they wanted to play video games.

“The defendant was previously accused of sexual assault by a player he coached,” the charges say. “That case is being reinvestigated.”

A basketball coach who worked at a Minneapolis charter school and a youth organization sexually assaulted a child athlete in his care, according to charges filed Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court.

Aaron J. Hjermstad, 41, of Brooklyn Center, was charged with one count each of soliciting a child and second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The alleged victim was a preteen when he was assaulted in October and again in February while spending the night at Hjermstad’s home, the charges say.

The charges note that Hjermstad was a teacher at Mastery School and a basketball coach at Hospitality House Youth Development.

Emily Peterson, executive directory of Mastery School, had no comment other than to confirm that Hjermstad was no longer employed there. He had been listed on the website as a physical education and health teacher. The school serves grades K-6.

The executive director and program director of Hospitality House, a north Minneapolis outreach group that focuses on urban youth, could not be reached for comment.

Hjermstad did not return messages left at a number listed for him; he had no attorney listed. He was charged via summons, meaning he is not in custody.

According to the complaint: Brooklyn Center police received a report March 5 that a boy had spent the night a week earlier at Hjermstad’s home and was asked by Hjermstad to perform a sex act in exchange for money. The boy was reportedly sleeping in Hjermstad’s bed while Hjermstad slept on the floor. The boy’s brother slept in another room.

Hjermstad was planning to take the boys to a game the next day, the complaint says.

The boy told an investigator that after he was propositioned by Hjermstad he left to tell his brother, but Hjermstad ordered him to return to the bedroom or face being pulled out of the game the next day, the complaint says. Its says the boy’s mother reported that her son had been offered money not to cooperate with police. The charges do not say who made the alleged offer.

The boy also said that he had spent the night at Hjermstad’s home in October and was lying in bed when Hjermstad’s genitals touched his foot. There was a third, undated incident in which the boy awoke to find Hjermstad lying on top of him, the charges say.

The boy told an investigator that the coach made boys shower whenever they were at his house if they wanted to play video games.

“The defendant was previously accused of sexual assault by a player he coached,” the charges say. “That case is being reinvestigated.”

RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. —

An 18-year-old in Randolph County is charged with eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor Friday.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division/Internet Crimes Against Children started an investigation after receiving information that an individual possessed multiple files of child pornography.

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Deputies followed the investigation and filed warrants for the arrest of Johan Manuel Caceres Yubran Friday. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center on $100,000 bail.

Yubran is charged with eight counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. His first court appearance is set for Monday.