KU offensive coordinator facing lawsuit in California

Chuck Long, right, then as the San Diego State head coach, congratulates running back Atiyyah Henderson after Henderson scored a touchdown against Idaho on Sept. 27, 2008, in San Diego. Long is now the offensive coordinator for the Kansas University football team.

Kansas University offensive coordinator Chuck Long, formerly the head coach at San Diego State, has been accused by a former player of negligent supervision regarding a fight between teammates and is facing a civil lawsuit in the matter, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Former Aztec Nick Sandford, a safety, alleges he was assaulted by teammate Lance Louis at a team meeting in November 2008. The Tribune report indicates that Long informed SDSU staff members “not to report the attack to law enforcement or university officials.”

The newspaper also reported that Sandford suffered a concussion, a ruptured eardrum and facial injuries from the attack. The suit seeks unspecified damages from both Long and the California State University system.

Louis, now an offensive lineman with the Chicago Bears, is facing misdemeanor assault charges.

Long was not available for comment Thursday, but Jim Marchiony, KU associate athletic director for external relations, said: “This is a matter between an individual and the California State University system. We have no comment and plan to let the legal system play out.”