Former NFL star DeSean Jackson has been accused of promoting a 'gang-associated mentality' by one of his former players at Delaware State University, who alleges he was brutally assaulted in the team's locker room. Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who became a college head coach last year, is facing a lawsuit from Malachi Biggs over the 'unsafe environment' he allegedly oversaw, according to Fox News.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Biggs claims that he was assaulted by former teammate Anthony Hebert in the locker room on November 19. The attack reportedly knocked out at least a dozen teeth and left him unconscious. According to the ex-Hornets safety, Jackson's 'tough guy' philosophy, which 'relied heavily upon the use of gang-associated slang and gang-associated mentality,' played a role in the incident.
Additional Allegations Against Jackson
The head coach, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and other teams during his 17-year NFL career, is also accused of other dangerous conduct, including failing to prevent hazing. Biggs claims that Jackson and his staff 'encouraged crimes, assaults, harassment, hazing, altercations' at Delaware State. After the alleged attack, Jackson did not discipline Hebert and reportedly hired him onto the coaching staff.
Jackson's Response
In a statement on Instagram, the Hornets coach has denied the allegations, asserting that he 'never fostered or encouraged... any violent environment.' He emphasized, 'I take the safety, well-being, and development of every student-athlete in the Delaware State University football program seriously.' More details are expected to follow.
