TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 24: Head coach Butch Jones of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts to a call during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

In a lawsuit against the University of Tennessee filed by six women against the university, it’s alleged football coach Butch Jones told wide receiver Drae Bowles he “betrayed the team” after Bowles helped a woman who said she was raped by two UT players, A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams.

The Tennessean reports the lawsuit says sophomore player Bowles cried after speaking with his coach about the incident. Jones later called Bowles, who transferred to UT-Chattanooga in 2014, after he was punched in the mouth by teammate Curt Maggitt and apologized for the harsh comments according to the suit. Bowles denied the assault took place.

According to the report Maggit pressed Bowles with questions before punching him in the mouth.

“Bowles told Maggitt what had happened. Maggitt became violently upset, said that Bowles was trying to f**** up A.J. and suddenly punched Bowles in the mouth with great force, causing Bowles’ lip to bleed,” the filing said.

Bowles was reportedly later confronted again by teammates Geraldo Orta and Marlin Lane, where another fight broke out, which was stopped by football strength coach Brandon Myles. Orta reportedly told police “people got shot” for betrayals like Bowles, and Williams told police Orta put a “hit” on the wide receiver – which Orta denies.

Jones didn’t discipline any of his players for their roles in the assault according to the lawsuit. Two unnamed plaintiffs who witnessed the fight in the dining hall, say the treatment of Bowles led them to leave UT out of fear of their own personal safety.

Both Johnson and Williams were charged with aggravated rape and plead not guilty. They’ll face trials later this year.

About Liam McGuire

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