Accusations and Lawsuit Details
A former softball player from the University of California, Berkeley has filed a lawsuit accusing an ex-head coach of using her authority to pressure the player into a sexual relationship. The complaint suggests that the coach threatened the player’s participation on the team if she attempted to end the relationship.
Filed on August 24 in Alameda County Superior Court, the lawsuit alleges that the university did not intervene and allowed Chelsea Spencer to maintain her position as head coach for several months after the matter came to the attention of the athletic department. Spencer stepped down in June of the previous year, despite having recently signed a multi-year contract extension.
The lawsuit claims that an investigation by Cal determined Spencer violated campus policy regarding consensual relationships. The legal document does not specify when this investigation began or ended and alleges that Spencer was uncooperative during the process.
Comments and University Response
In an email to OutKick, a spokesperson for Cal declined to comment on the lawsuit or the internal investigation involving Spencer.
The former player has engaged the legal services of Slater Slater Schulman law firm. Gizem Gures, a lawyer from the firm, made a statement to USA Today Sports regarding the lawsuit. She highlighted the need for the university to protect its students and expressed disappointment in how the situation was handled.
“Berkeley proudly holds itself out as the No. 1 public university in the world. That reputation comes with a responsibility to protect its students. As a Cal alum, it is deeply disappointing to see what our client experienced and how the University responded after its own investigation substantiated the conduct. Our client deserved better. Berkeley’s students deserve better. The University needs to do better.”
Allegations Against Spencer
The lawsuit details that Spencer’s alleged advances toward the plaintiff began in the fall of 2023, shortly after she joined the softball team as a transfer student. Spencer reportedly communicated with the player daily through calls and texts, which eventually took on a personal and romantic nature.
Spencer is accused of complimenting the player and giving her gifts, including cash. The complaint further claims that Spencer retaliated by reducing the player’s playing time when her communications were ignored.
“When Plaintiff did not provide Spencer the attention she demanded, Spencer yelled at Plaintiff, treated her differently, and reduced or withheld Plaintiff’s playing opportunities,” the complaint asserts.
Emotional Distress and Legal Action
The former player has stated that the conduct of Spencer, combined with what she perceives as a lack of adequate response from the university, led to severe emotional distress and the premature end of her collegiate softball career. She is seeking a jury trial and financial compensation for personal injuries and other damages.
Chantz Martin, a sports writer for Fox News Digital, reported on this situation, underscoring the serious nature of allegations involving misconduct by a person in a position of authority.
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