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UOP Investigating Sexual Assault Accusations Against Former Assistant Coach

STOCKTON (CBS13) — Administrators at the University of the Pacific are investigating allegations of sexual assault made against a former coach.

The allegations came in an anonymous letter accuser saying the student's scholarship was at risk if she didn't comply.

The school says it's launching a full investigation, but that both those involved claim it was all consensual.

The allegations reportedly state a former assistant coach for the school's basketball team carried on an improper sexual relationship with a women's volleyball player at the school. It alleges the coach coerced the player into performing sexual acts by threatening the status of her scholarship.

Stockton Police have been notified of the allegations.

The school issued a statement saying while its investigation continues, "the former student and the former member of the coaching staff have stated that the relationship was consensual. Additionally, they have maintained that at no time was a scholarship ever mentioned let alone put in jeopardy."

The school does have a policy that bans even consensual personal relationships between staff and students where the staff member may have an influence on the student. It's unclear if that policy was violated.

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