Former UK swim coach settles sexual abuse lawsuit
By Karyn Czar
August 12, 2026 at 10:28 AM EDT
Former University of Kentucky swim coach Lars Jorgensen has settled a sexual abuse lawsuit brought by two former swimmers.
According to court records, Briggs Alexander and a woman identified as “Jane Doe” settled their claims against Jorgensen on Aug. 6 in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Terms of the settlement were not released, and a judge dismissed the claims with prejudice.
The 2024 lawsuit accused Jorgensen of creating a sexually hostile environment and repeatedly sexually assaulting members of the UK swim program. He served as head coach from 2013 to 2023 and resigned while under investigation.
The lawsuit against UK and former Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart remains active, with a trial scheduled for May 2027. Jorgensen, UK and Barnhart have denied wrongdoing.
Jorgensen was permanently banned from coaching last year by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
The 2024 lawsuit accused Jorgensen of creating a sexually hostile environment and repeatedly sexually assaulting members of the UK swim program. He served as head coach from 2013 to 2023 and resigned while under investigation.
The lawsuit against UK and former Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart remains active, with a trial scheduled for May 2027. Jorgensen, UK and Barnhart have denied wrongdoing.
Jorgensen was permanently banned from coaching last year by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.