Parents file lawsuit against former UK player, Scott County coach

Two Scott County Public Schools parents filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Sean Woods, a former University of Kentucky player and Scott County High School basketball coach, and several county schools officials.

Woods was a member of the University of Kentucky “Unforgettables” basketball team in 1992.

The lawsuit filed in Scott Circuit Court filed by parents Tosha Williamson and Samantha Eddington alleges Woods made inappropriate comments and gestures to two female students and touched them on their hips or shoulders.

The lawsuit also alleges Woods, who was until recently the Scott County High School basketball coach and an instructor at the school, asked one female student about her sexual experiences and offered to come to parties and drink alcohol with her.

In addition to Woods, the lawsuit was also filed against the Scott County Board of Education, Superintendent Billy Parker, Assistant Superintendent Brent Allen, Scott County High School Principal Elizabeth Gabehart, Scott County High School Assistant Principals Renea Kennedy, Randy Maynard and Artie Trent, and “John and Jane Doe, known and unknown employees/agents of the Scott County Board of Education.”

The lawsuit alleged that several school administrators handled their investigation of the allegations incorrectly and caused more stress and problems for the alleged victims.

Woods has not been charged with a crime. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office investigated allegations against Woods, but confirmed previously it has found no evidence of criminal activity.

The Herald-Leader previously reported that the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services had substantiated claims of child abuse or neglect against Wood after investigating allegations.

Although Scott County School officials have not identified Woods by name, when asked questions about him, they say the employee in question was suspended from his job and his contract was not renewed.

The lawsuit asks for compensation for damages including pain and suffering, educational expenses and medical costs.

“Scott County Schools is aware of the lawsuit in question,” Scott County Schools spokesperson Renee Holmes told the Herald-Leader Wednesday. “We will address the allegations listed in the filing as appropriate through the legal system.”