Negligence charges dismissed against former Baylor head coach, athletic director in alleged domestic violence case against former football player

WACO, Texas — All negligence charges against former Baylor University football Head Coach Art Briles and former Baylor Athletic Director Ian McCaw in an alleged domestic violence case against a former football player were dismissed by a judge on Friday.

In a Title IX lawsuit, former student Dolores Lozano is accusing former Baylor running back Devin Chafin of domestic abuse. She’s part of a lawsuit filed in 2016 involving fifteen other women accusing the university of neglecting them after they were sexually assaulted by football players and other students.

Lozano believes Baylor didn’t do enough to stop it or investigate the alleged assault properly, which is why the jury will now focus on the Title IX charges against Baylor University on Friday.

In Friday’s trial, both McCaw and Briles lawyers explained how their clients were not responsible for what allegedly took place that Spring of 2014 involving Lozano and Chafin.

On Thursday, Briles and McCaw testified, which you can read here.

The judge ruled in their favor and is now focused on assigning the proper charges against Baylor. 

6 News legal analyst Liz Mitchell explained what other universities in the U.S. can learn from this trial and how documenting any claims involving students is crucial.

“Universities need to learn that they have to be specific to get things done to protect the students,” Mitchell explained. “Thorough investigation has to take place not only to protect victims, but also protect the accused. Then also the disciplinarian hearings involved with Title IX.”

Before the jury left for the day, Baylor’s attorney brought in Houston psychologist Jeff Temple to break down the psychological assessment done on Lozano.

Temple told the jury he conducted at least 15 tests on Lozano after the alleged assault in 2014. He explained how Lozano had endured a handful of traumatic events before the alleged assault. 

Temple said Lozano suffered from institutional betrayal but there is no data to prove that contributed to her mental anguish.

Mitchell believes this trial could encourage more alleged survivors to come forward and expects for institutions to handle them accordingly.

“Every time a student comes forward with an allegation, certain steps are followed,” Mitchell added. 

Temple suggested everyone, especially people who experience traumatic events, to seek therapy to get the healing they need. 

Both the plaintiff and defense will present their closing arguments Mon. Oct 23 morning and a verdict could come as early as that afternoon.