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Before hire, UNR asked Alford about handling of player's '02 assault: 'He learned from it'

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University of Nevada, Reno leaders said they had discussions with new men's basketball coach Steve Alford about his handling of a 2002 sexual assault case involving one of his players at the University of Iowa.

In 2002, Iowa guard Pierre Pierce was accused of raping a female Iowa athlete.

At the time, Alford was serving as the head coach and adamantly defended his player: "I totally believe he's innocent."

Pierce was later charged with third-degree sexual assault and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.