A married former American football star has become entangled in a shocking romance scandal at one of New Jersey's most exclusive private schools, where he serves as Dean of Athletics.
The Allegations and Key Players
Sullivan 'Tripp' Welborne, a 57-year-old former Minnesota Vikings player, stands accused of creating a 'quid pro quo' sexual relationship with 38-year-old colleague Nicole Stock at the prestigious Lawrenceville School. The scandal emerged through a lawsuit detailed by the New York Post, alleging Welborne used his position of power to entice Stock into a sexual relationship in exchange for career advancement and preferential treatment.
The lawsuit claims Welborne specifically created a new 'director of athletics' position for Stock, appointing her over two more experienced colleagues who had served the institution for decades. This role would have placed Stock as second-in-command to Welborne himself.
Whistleblower Retribution and Dismissals
Two long-serving employees, Karla Despinis and Richard Rienzo, found themselves dismissed earlier this year after raising concerns about the alleged inappropriate relationship. Both had dedicated approximately twenty years to the school before their contracts were unexpectedly not renewed in March.
Court documents suggest suspicions about Welborne and Stock's relationship date back to 2021, with staff reportedly witnessing flirtatious behaviour and physical contact. One particularly notable incident described Stock grabbing Welborne's buttocks during a school hockey game.
Lavish Treatment and Campus Privileges
The lawsuit further alleges that Welborne provided Stock with an ATV to navigate the school's picturesque campus near Princeton, where his own children previously attended as students. "Welborne would spend gamedays riding around on Ms. Stock's John Deere ATV," the legal filing states, painting a picture of inappropriate conduct at the elite institution.
Lawrenceville School charges substantial fees of $80,690 for boarding tuition and $66,400 for day school, positioning it as New Jersey's most expensive private educational establishment.
Institutional Response and Fallout
Legal representatives for Despinis and Rienzo assert that the school "betrayed our clients" through its handling of the situation. However, a Lawrenceville spokesperson has pushed back against these claims, telling the New York Post that the institution "disagrees with the accusations of wrongdoing in the complaint and plans to vigorously defend our position."
Welborne joined Lawrenceville in 2015, with his LinkedIn profile describing his role as encompassing "a wide spectrum of tasks to ensure student-athletes' emotional health, physical fitness, and overall wellbeing." Before his administrative career, he achieved sporting prominence as a two-time Unanimous All-American at Michigan before his professional career with the Vikings was cut short by injuries.
The Daily Mail has contacted both Welborne and Stock for comment regarding the unfolding scandal that has rocked the exclusive educational community.
