Five Former Wisconsin Basketball Players Sue ex-Coach for Alleged Psychological Abuse

A significant legal battle has emerged as five former members of the Wisconsin women’s basketball team have filed a lawsuit against their ex-coach, Marisa Moseley. The complaint, lodged in federal court, claims that the players endured psychological abuse during their tenure under Moseley’s leadership.

Allegations of Psychological Abuse

The lawsuit, first reported by the Wisconsin State Journal, outlines serious allegations, including:

• Psychological Manipulation: The plaintiffs contend that Moseley “unconstitutionally toyed with the mental health of her players.”
• Invasion of Privacy: The complaint asserts that Moseley pressured players to disclose personal issues, including family problems and mental health conditions, during one-on-one meetings.
• Coercive Control: Moseley allegedly employed threats regarding scholarships and playing time to manipulate her players, claiming such tactics were part of “building trust” within the team.

Defendants Named in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit lists multiple defendants:

• Marisa Moseley, former head coach
• Wisconsin Board of Regents
• Justin Doherty, former associate athletic director for external communications

The plaintiffs include:

• Lexi Duckett
• Krystyna Ellew
• Mary Ferrito
• Tara Stauffacher
• Tessa Towers

Tessa Towers’ TikTok Accusations

In a notable social media revelation, Tessa Towers took to TikTok to share her experiences, alleging that Moseley threatened her with expulsion from the team if she discussed suicidal thoughts with her therapist. Towers described her emotional turmoil, stating:

“I would leave my coach’s office bawling my eyes out every time.”

In addition to social media accusations, Towers alleged that Moseley excluded her from team trips and subjected her to autism testing.

Personal and Professional Fallout

Moseley resigned from her position as head coach of the Badgers in March, citing personal reasons after four seasons in charge. The allegations against her paint a concerning picture of the coaching environment at the university.

Seeking Justice and Change

The lawsuit intends to address what the plaintiffs describe as the university’s “policy of laissez-faire inaction" in response to the players’ complaints. This legal action aims to shine a light on the treatment of student-athletes and the responsibilities of coaching staff.

Intrusive Behavior and Retaliation

The complaint highlights other troubling behaviors, such as:

• Retaliation for Protected Speech: It emphasizes that players faced repercussions for voicing their concerns or speaking out.
• Discrimination: The lawsuit alleges discrimination based on disabilities or perceived disabilities.

The plaintiffs are advocating not just for personal accountability but also for institutional changes to protect future student-athletes from similar experiences.

Conclusion

The unfolding lawsuit represents a critical moment for college athletics, as it brings attention to the treatment of players and the implications of coaching tactics. As the case progresses, it could pave the way for necessary reforms in how college programs handle mental health and athlete welfare.

For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned to reliable news sources and check the official Wisconsin athletics website.