A football coach whose work at a North Carolina school 15 years ago spurred a state investigation into alleged deceptive practices is now facing similar allegations of using false promises to lure athletes and coaches to a historically Black private university in Virginia.
Tim Newman has worked since 2021 as the head football coach and athletic director at Virginia University of Lynchburg, which is now the defendant along with Newman in a lawsuit by a former coach who alleges breach of contract and fraud, among other complaints.
Some of the lawsuit allegations are denied by the university's attorney in a court filing. However, similar complaints of fraudulent or deceptive practices were voiced among 25 former players, coaches and school staffers interviewed by ESPN. They described an athletic program that, they say:
Attracted coaches with salary promises that the school failed to honor after several had uprooted themselves to Lynchburg.
Failed to deliver on promised athletic scholarships and paid housing.
Made players pay for their own basic trainer-related services and supplies, including ice for ice baths. Some players say they resorted to taping each other's ankles.
Pressured one player to suit up despite suffering a concussion and dismissed the seriousness of other players' injuries.
Promised housing conditions that fell far short of standards athletes were led to expect. Multiple players and coaches cited cases of mold and insects in rooms, and video from one room showed a caved-in ceiling in a bathroom.
Newman declined to comment on the allegations. However, in an email, Newman touted the playing and coaching opportunities his school makes available, its strong football schedule, community involvement and "nine students with a 4.0 GPA or better."
Newman said the complaints about him come from players and coaches who "don't get their way."
