An Ohio woman has filed a lawsuit against Maxwell Hairston, the Buffalo Bills’ first-round draft pick, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in 2021 while they were both at the University of Kentucky. The lawsuit states that Hairston met Rebecca Hendrix and another woman while living in the same dorm early that year. In March 2021, Hairston reportedly entered Hendrix’s room uninvited after she declined to hang out with him, and the suit claims he forced her to remove her pajama shorts and sexually assaulted her multiple times.
Hairston has not faced criminal charges, and neither he nor his agent responded to requests for comment. A Buffalo Bills spokesperson declined to comment but referred to statements made by the team’s general manager, Brandon Bean, who said in April that the team conducted a “full investigation” into the 2021 sexual assault allegations and found nothing to substantiate the claims.
According to the lawsuit, Hendrix underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam shortly after reporting the incident to law enforcement, but the outcome of the police report or exam was not disclosed. Hendrix’s lawyer withheld law enforcement or university documents, citing confidentiality. Lexington Police reported no records matching the allegations, and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to requests for comment.
A University of Kentucky spokesperson noted that all sexual assault claims are thoroughly investigated, involving police, Title IX coordinators, and university officials. Hendrix left the university in 2021.
Fan Take: This case highlights the increasing scrutiny NFL teams face regarding players’ off-field behavior, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations and accountability. For NFL fans, it serves as a reminder that player character and conduct are critical to the integrity of the sport and its culture.
