Minnesota center Reggie Lynch 'categorically and vehemently' denies sexual assault allegations

Minnesota Golden Gophers center Reggie Lynch has “categorically and vehemently” denied sexual assault allegations against him stemming back from 2016, via startribune.com.

“He fully cooperated with a university investigation on his own without the presence of a lawyer; he attended multiple interviews with university individuals on his own where he was asked clarifying questions," attorney Ryan Pacyga said at a news conference. “He had a right not to participate in this interviews no one could compel him to do it but he did it.”

The report stated two women had been notified of findings that Lynch was responsible in their two separate sexual assault complaints from April 2016. The university's investigator recommended Lynch be suspended from campus until Aug. 1, 2020.

A third alleged victim stepped forward Tuesday, and the investigator then recommended Lynch's expulsion.

“I don’t think its right that they be combined,” Pacyga said. “I think each allegation ought to stand on its own.

“My concerns for him as a senior and a student are ... by the time its all over it could be end of basketball season or even worse. I’m cognizant of the options for Mr. Lynch, which is continue panel hearings or say enough is enough and explore other options.”

Lynch, last season's Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season. He did not play Saturday against Indiana but has been practicing with the team.