LaTroy Lewis Fired by Falcons Amid Sexual Assault Investigation at Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Atlanta Falcons have swiftly responded to allegations of sexual assault against assistant coach LaTroy Lewis, terminating his employment on Friday. The decision comes after the Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed an ongoing investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred in December 2024, while Lewis was a staff member at the University of Michigan.
The allegations first surfaced on social media Thursday night, brought to light by reporter Justin Spiro. According to a statement from Ann Arbor Police Department strategic communications manager Chris Page, the department launched an immediate investigation upon learning of the allegations. “The Ann Arbor Police Department was just recently made aware of allegations regarding a sexual assault reported to have occurred on December 5, 2024,” Page stated. “The AAPD Detective Bureau launched an immediate investigation into the incident. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”
While the initial police statement did not name a suspect, Page later confirmed that Lewis was the focus of the investigation. The Falcons acted quickly, issuing a statement acknowledging awareness of the allegations and stating they were “in the process of gathering information” before ultimately firing Lewis, who had been hired as assistant defensive line coach just weeks prior, on February 10th.
The alleged incident reportedly took place at a hotel in Ann Arbor, where the woman, who met Lewis through a dating app, was staying for a work function. According to her attorney, Karen Truszkowski, the meeting was arranged for Lewis to return gifts she had given him, as she had decided to end the relationship. Truszkowski alleges that the encounter escalated into a violent sexual assault. “He raped her, assaulted her, beat her up,” Truszkowski stated.
The woman reported the alleged assault to Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore the day after the incident. Truszkowski claims that Moore dismissed her concerns and, disturbingly, later attempted to initiate a physical relationship with her. “Instead of being supportive and reporting it, as he was required to do, he started to weaponize it against her,” Truszkowski alleged.
However, Ellen Michaels, an attorney representing Moore, vehemently denies these claims. “Sherrone Moore did not fail to report misconduct, did not reward wrongdoing and did not harass anyone,” Michaels said in a statement. The allegations against Moore add another layer of complexity to a situation already fraught with serious accusations.
A personal protective order case was initiated against Lewis in Washtenaw County 22nd Circuit Court, though details remain unavailable to the public as the order has not yet been granted. Further complicating the matter, police in Milford, Mich., responded to a separate incident involving Lewis and the same woman in January 2025. An incident report obtained by The Athletic details a response to reports of a loud argument, but the case was closed due to insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.
Lewis’s hiring by the Falcons followed a stint at Toledo as defensive line coach, which came shortly after the alleged assault near the end of the 2024 football season. His time at Michigan spanned from 2022 to early 2025, beginning as a graduate assistant and progressing to assistant defensive line coach.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of significant turmoil within the Michigan football program. Just last December, Sherrone Moore was fired for cause, citing credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore was subsequently taken into police custody and faces charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering. The current allegations involving Lewis further exacerbate the issues plaguing the program.
Truszkowski stated that she contacted Michigan’s general counsel in January to report the alleged assault and has also been in communication with the law firm Jenner &. Block, which is conducting an external investigation into Moore’s tenure and the culture within the Michigan athletic department. However, her client has not yet spoken to investigators due to confidentiality concerns.
Michigan spokesman Paul Corliss acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stating they are “deeply concerning” and urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to Jenner & Block. “The work is ongoing, and we will be able to share more when it is completed,” Corliss said.
In a statement released through her attorney, Fabiola A. Galguera, Lewis maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously defend himself against the accusations. “The facts of the case are not currently being presented to the public, and Lewis ‘intends to fiercely fight these false allegations,’” Galguera stated.
The Falcons’ swift action in terminating Lewis’s employment underscores the seriousness with which the NFL is treating allegations of sexual assault. The league, and its teams, have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding their handling of such cases, and this incident is likely to further fuel that discussion. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal process unfolds.