Buffalo Bills rookie Maxwell Hairston has been named in a sexual assault lawsuit stemming from an alleged incident at the University of Kentucky in 2021, according to WKBW. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday by the Bryant Trow Center and Myers & Flowers, accuses Hairston of unconsented sexual contact in a women’s dormitory. The Bills organization has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Buffalo’s General Manager Brandon Bean, who drafted Hairston 30th overall, defended the player by stating that extensive research was done, including a thorough investigation by the university and voluntary polygraph testing by Hairston, which revealed no evidence that the incident occurred. Bean emphasized Hairston’s good reputation among teammates and staff at Kentucky.
The plaintiff reported the alleged assault to the police in 2021 and indicated later that she transferred from the university. Hairston, who officially recorded a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, had a strong collegiate career with the Wildcats, earning a first-round draft status. He played three seasons at Kentucky and is among the few players to leave early for the NFL Draft, joining others like Carrington Valentine and Doo Phillips. Over his last two seasons in the SEC, Hairston recorded six interceptions.
Fan Take: This lawsuit involving Maxwell Hairston highlights the increasing scrutiny NFL rookies face off the field, reminding fans and teams alike that character and conduct investigations are critical in the draft process. How the Bills and the league handle this case could set important precedents for accountability and player vetting in the future of the sport.
