The Atlanta Falcons have terminated assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis just two weeks after his hiring, as Ann Arbor Police investigate a rape allegation against him. Lewis, aged 32, is accused of raping a woman in December 2024, one month after they initially connected on a dating application.
Allegations and Investigation Details
According to reports, Lewis allegedly sent a series of abusive, threatening, and sexually explicit messages to the woman on multiple occasions and physically attacked her. The accusations were first brought to light by Darko State News, and the investigation has the potential to further embroil former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, who had Lewis on his coaching staff at the time of the alleged incidents.
Sherrone Moore's Involvement
The report indicates that the woman contacted Moore to inform him about the rape allegations, but he dismissed them. Moore later endorsed Lewis for a coaching position at Toledo and is also accused of sending sexually explicit messages to the woman himself. Moore was fired by Michigan in December for an affair with his assistant, adding to the scandal.
From Toledo, Lewis was hired by the Falcons on February 10. However, the NFL team issued a statement on Friday confirming his dismissal: 'The Atlanta Falcons have dismissed assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis from his role.'
Legal and Organizational Fallout
The initial report from Darko State News includes photographs of the woman's injuries from alleged attacks by Lewis, as well as sexually explicit messages sent by both Moore and Lewis. Moore faces legal troubles of his own; he is accused of entering his assistant's apartment without permission after losing his job and threatening to kill himself in front of her on December 10. Authorities reported that Moore blamed her for his dismissal from one of the top college football positions in the country.
Moore is scheduled to appear in court on March 19 on charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering. Now, his former colleague Lewis has also lost a significant role with an NFL team.
Denials and Ongoing Investigations
According to Darko State News, Lewis denies the claims made against him. Ann Arbor Police stated in a release to Daily Mail: 'The Ann Arbor Police Department was just recently made aware of allegations regarding a sexual assault reported to have occurred on December 5, 2024. The AAPD Detective Bureau launched an immediate investigation into the incident. This investigation remains active and ongoing.'
A statement from the University of Michigan, as reported by Detroit Free Press, added: 'These allegations are deeply concerning. As we have noted, the University launched an investigation of the circumstances and conduct leading to Sherrone Moore's firing, as well as a broader culture review of the Athletic Department.'
