Attorney John Manly Blasts SJSU Over 1998 Assault Claims Against Coach Todd Kress
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 17
Attorney John Manly Blasts SJSU Over 1998 Assault Claims Against Coach Todd Kress
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 17
Summary
John Manly, who helped secure a $380 million Larry Nassar settlement, said San Jose State's handling of allegations against volleyball coach Todd Kress reflects a broader culture of protecting the university over female athletes.
Emails show SJSU received a former Fairfield player's Oct. 24, 2024 letter alleging Kress assaulted her in a hotel room after a 1998 NCAA Tournament loss, then held one meeting before correspondence stopped.
Manly said SJSU's refusal to release records on the Kress matter under privacy and privilege exemptions was "completely bogus," arguing victim names could be redacted when student safety is at stake.
The criticism lands as SJSU faces overlapping Title IX pressure: the Education Department found violations in January, SJSU and CSU sued in March, and 11 Mountain West players are separately suing over the volleyball program.
SJSU's past deepens the scrutiny: the school paid $1.6 million in a 2021 Justice Department settlement over trainer Scott Shaw, after investigators found complaints were ignored for more than a decade.
Is a trans athlete debate a smokescreen for a history of abuse allegations at San Jose State?
When a university's legal defense conflicts with student safety, which one is the real priority?
Title IX Turmoil at SJSU: Transgender Athlete Controversy, Retaliation Claims, and the Future of Women’s Volleyball
Overview
San José State University (SJSU) is facing intense legal and administrative challenges over its handling of Title IX, transgender athlete participation, and retaliation claims. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has repeatedly demanded action from SJSU, issuing multiple deadlines and threatening to cut federal funding after finding the university violated Title IX in the case of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming. These federal actions have sparked lawsuits, internal disputes, and public criticism, placing SJSU’s leadership, athletic policies, and reputation under serious scrutiny as the university struggles to balance compliance, inclusivity, and accountability.