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Dave Hart, Tennessee Athletic Director, Comments on Sexual Assault Lawsuit

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.