Pop Isaacs ‘remains in good standing’ at Texas Tech University and with the Texas Tech men’s basketball team, according to a statement released by the athletics department Friday night.
Isaacs was named in a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted a minor during the team’s trip to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis in November, which was first reported earlier Friday by ESPN.
‘Upon learning of the allegations,’ the statement begins, ‘the matter was immediately and properly reported to the University’s Title IX Office. The Title IX Office and its process are external to and independent from TTU Athletics. The Title IX Office’s investigation into the allegations promptly commenced.’
According to the ESPN report, the lawsuit — which the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal was not able to obtain before the close of business Friday — states a Texas Tech booster bought alcoholic drinks for Isaacs and a teammate during the trip. The lawsuit says the athletes were in a room with two girls, ages 17 and 16, and Isaacs moved to a different room with the 17-year-old where he allegedly assaulted the girl after she ‘attempted to fight him off.’
The age of consent in the Bahamas is 16, though the lawsuit states the alleged victim was intoxicated at the time and could not give consent. The suit, filed by the parents of the girls, is seeking $1 million in damages.
‘Athletics reached out to the Title IX Office on two occasions,’ the Texas Tech statement continued, ‘and was informed both times that based upon the information, Pop Isaacs remains in good standing, and there is no reason to withhold him from University activities, including basketball competition.
‘The Title IX Office will continue to follow its process until it is completed, regardless of the civil lawsuit.’
Isaacs leads the Red Raiders in scoring at 15.8 points per game and is second on the team averaging 3.4 assists.
Texas Tech (11-2) opens Big 12 play Saturday at No. 22 Texas (11-2).
