Woman files Title IX lawsuit against Mike Riley, Oregon State

Nebraska head coach Mike Riley and his former school, Oregon State, are being sued by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by the cousin of one of Riley's former players.

The Title IX lawsuit states the woman was sexually assaulted in October 1999 as a freshman at Oregon State because of Riley's failure to correct a sexually violent culture within the football program, according to The Oregonian's Bryan Denson.

Riley said in a statement released by Nebraska that he was made aware of the complaint Tuesday, but didn't know about the incident until now.

"However, I am committed to a harassment-free culture in our football program," Riley said, "and I am continually seeking ways to expand our student education program. Sexual assault is a horrendous crime and has no place in our society."

Riley coached the San Diego Chargers in 1999, and the Beavers in 1997-98 and again from 2003-14. He was named Nebraska's head coach in November.

The woman seeks $7.5 million in damages, alleging she was taken advantage of after drinking at an off-campus party. She said she was taken to another apartment, where she was unable to fight off her attackers as she blacked out.

"She was being sexually assaulted by the young man who had offered her the beer," the suit says. "She was unable to move her arms or legs to fight back. She faded back out of consciousness."

Oregon State denied responsibility for the incident.

"We're not responsible for her very unfortunate sexual assault," Oregon State vice president of university relations Steve Clark said.