The Atlanta Falcons have terminated the employment of LaTroy Lewis, who was recently appointed as an assistant defensive line coach, following serious allegations of rape and battery. His dismissal came on February 27, just 17 days after he joined the team, and was prompted by a report detailing accusations relating to a December 2024 incident while Lewis was part of the coaching staff at the University of Michigan.
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The allegations first surfaced in a report by journalist Justin Spiro, which included claims that Lewis had raped and physically assaulted a woman in a hotel room during an encounter facilitated through a dating app. The incident reportedly occurred on December 5, 2024, when the accuser travelled to Ann Arbor for professional commitments. This disturbing account has prompted a police investigation by the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD), which is still in progress.
Following the news break, the Falcons issued a statement acknowledging the allegations and confirming they were gathering further information. The team later released additional communications outlining Lewis’s dismissal. “The Falcons have dismissed LaTroy Lewis,” the statement confirmed, highlighting their awareness of the allegations involving the assistant coach.
The AAPD responded to the allegations, indicating they were looking into a sexual assault case, with Lewis identified as the suspect. “The AAPD Detective Bureau launched an immediate investigation into the incident. This investigation remains active and ongoing,” a spokesperson confirmed.
Initial reports suggest the accuser claims that following their meeting on the dating app, Lewis exhibited increasingly aggressive behaviour, culminating in violent threats through text messages, including disturbing statements indicating intent to inflict harm. Spiro’s report included evidence of physical injuries sustained by the accuser, highlighting the severity of her claims.
In addition to the December incident, the accuser has indicated that Lewis exhibited physical violence against her again in January 2025 at her apartment in Michigan. Despite the violence, she did not report the incident to police at the time, reportedly due to fear of Lewis’s retaliation. Shortly before the allegations became public, she filed an incident report with the AAPD and sought a protective order against him.
In the aftermath of the allegations, Lewis’s attorney, Fabiola A. Galguera, publicly declared the accusations to be false, emphasising that allegations alone do not constitute proof of misconduct. Galguera stated, “It is essential to pass judgment based on facts, and the facts are currently not being presented to the public,” and indicated that Lewis intends to defend himself vigorously against the claims.
The situation has further escalated as the accuser has alleged that she informed Sherrone Moore, the then-head coach of Michigan, about the incidents shortly after they took place. Moore, however, is accused of not reporting the incident and, instead, allegedly sending her inappropriate messages. In response to these assertions, Moore’s attorney refuted the claims, stating, “Sherrone Moore did not fail to report misconduct, did not reward wrongdoing and did not harass anyone. These claims are false.”
However, it is noted that Moore is no longer with the University of Michigan. He was dismissed from his position in December 2025, due to unrelated misconduct involving inappropriate relationships with staff members. In connection with this, he currently faces legal challenges for charges pertaining to stalking and unlawful entry.
As this case continues to unfold, both Lewis and the individuals involved are under heightened scrutiny, with the Falcons’ swift action reflecting the seriousness with which such allegations are treated within professional sports. The ongoing investigation by the AAPD aims to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events in question, while the legal implications for all parties involved remain significant.
For those affected by similar situations, support is available through resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which encourages individuals to seek help and report misconduct.