Former NFL defensive end and sports commentator Marcellus Wiley faces serious allegations from his college years at Columbia University, as per a lawsuit filed under New York's Adult Survivors Act. The plaintiff, now an Ivy League professor and sociologist, accuses Wiley of raping her in her freshman dorm room during the fall of 1994.
According to the lawsuit, the victim, who had established a friendship with Wiley, alleges that he forcibly entered her room under the pretense of having dinner and listening to music. Despite her explicitly stating her disinterest in sexual relations, Wiley is accused of violently disregarding her refusals and proceeding with the assault, resulting in her losing her virginity.
The incident reportedly had a profound impact on the victim, driving her to attempt suicide. She claims that when she reported the incident to Columbia University administrators, her accusations were met with indifference and dismissal, ostensibly to protect Wiley's burgeoning football career. The lawsuit states that one administrator even suggested the victim misinterpreted Wiley's actions due to cultural differences, citing her origin from Cabo Verde.
Wiley, who later became a star running back and captain of the Columbia Lions, faced minimal disciplinary action from the university. He was put on academic probation and continued his academic and sports career, eventually transitioning into a successful NFL career with teams like the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Post-retirement, Wiley became a familiar face on sports networks like ESPN and Fox Sports.
The lawsuit further alleges that the victim's ordeal was compounded by harassment and intimidation, with Wiley allegedly being shown her complaint by a university administrator. Other women, part of Columbia's Take Back the Night chapter, reportedly shared similar experiences of assault at Wiley's hands. The lawsuit suggests an attempt by the university's athletics director to suppress another alleged incident until after a game against Princeton.
The filing of this lawsuit comes as the Adult Survivors Act opens a one-year window for sexual abuse claims that are past the statute of limitations. The act has already seen high-profile filings, including a sexual assault lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs, recently settled.
Marcellus Wiley has not yet responded to these allegations. The plaintiff seeks justice and accountability for the trauma endured, highlighting the ongoing struggle against sexual violence and institutional negligence. The lawsuit underscores the enduring impact of sexual assault and the challenges victims face in seeking justice, especially when the accused are prominent figures in sports and entertainment.
