Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart met with reporters Thursday, offering his "empathy" to sexual assault victims while discussing the widespread allegations levied against Volunteers student-athletes.
"I have tremendous empathy and sympathy for sexual assault victims," he said, per Matt Slovin and Anita Wadhwani of the Tennessean. "It is simply an unacceptable act. I can tell you at the university of Tennessee, the chancellor has made this his top priority."
Hart's press conference comes at a time when the Tennessee athletic department is facing a crossroads. Earlier this month, six women filed a lawsuit against the university, saying it created a culture that not only enabled sexual assault but actively discouraged victims from coming forward.