Former University of Arizona swimmer Nick Hogsed is suing the UA and its board of regents over an alleged attack.
According to the lawsuit, filed Aug. 18 in Pima County Superior Court, the incident occurred Aug. 21, 2016, when Hogsed was a sophomore. Another member of the team, who appeared to be intoxicated, assaulted and hospitalized Hogsed, who reported the act to the university and swim coach Rick DeMont, who has since retired.
Hogsed said DeMont "retaliated against him by repeatedly blaming, demeaning and belittling" him for reporting the incident. He told Hogsed to "be a man" and used expletives when referring to the complaint. He also encouraged Hogsed to quit the swim team, and encouraged his teammates to ostracize him.
When Hogsed sought a release to transfer schools, DeMont told him he would only grant him the request if he dropped his complaint to the university.
Hogsed left the school in December 2016. He suffered weight loss, anxiety, sleep disruption, flashbacks in dreams, stomach sickness, a loss of appetite, stress, fear and headaches.
Hogsed accuses the UA and its regents of negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional infliction of emotional distress and damages. He is asking for damages, medical expenses, lost educational opportunities, past and future wages lost, loss of earning capacity and legal costs.
Attorney John Clune said Hogsed is not asking for a particular dollar amount, and will be satisfied with whatever figure the jury decides on.
UA spokesman Jeremy Sharpe declined comment, saying the university does not comment on pending litigation.
