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The case involving former University of Maine student-athletes Stephen Gomes and Paris Minor appears to be drawing to a close. U.S. District Court Judge George Singal announced his approval of a request by the two players to withdraw their lawsuit against the university Tuesday.
President Peter S. Hoff released a brief statement with the announcement Tuesday, where he defended the Student Conduct Code Committee and expressed satisfaction that the process is over.
“We believe this recent development confirms that the University System’s Code of Student Conduct was applied properly in the case involving the two students,” Hoff said in the statement. “It is important for the public to know that the university did not provide any concession, agreement or financial settlement to the students, nor to their legal counsel.”
Gomes and Minor, who were both sophomores and members of the UMaine football team, were dismissed from the university Sept. 25, 2002 by the Student Conduct Code Committee for their alleged involvement in the sexual assault of a former UMaine student.
Harry Richardson and Fred Costlow, attorneys for the two students, filed a lawsuit against Hoff and the UMS board of trustees for unfair treatment, claiming they were denied due process of law.
After two appeals of the students’ suspensions were denied by the university, Richardson and Costlow pushed forward with the lawsuit. Recently, Gomes and Minor transferred to Tennessee State University, where former UMaine assistant football coach Walter Griffin is the head coach. Tuesday, the players decided to put the ordeal to rest.
“I appreciate the fairness, commitment and sense of duty with which members of our community served as part of the review and appeals processes,” Hoff said. “I recognize that it was a difficult and stressful experience for the many individuals involved. I thank those who served for their role in adjudicating the matter.”
On June 10, 2002, the female student alleged that Gomes and Minor sexually assaulted her at her Old Town apartment. Shortly after she was evaluated at a local hospital, the woman received a protection from abuse order against both men. While the Old Town Police Department conducted an investigation, no criminal charges were brought against Gomes or Minor.
Both players missed the 2002 season-opening football game Aug. 31, while the case was brought before the Student Conduct Code Committe. Both students were allowed to play up until the Black Bears’ game with the University of Rhode Island Sept. 28. The Student Conduct Code Committee reviewed the case during that time, allowing Minor and Gomes to compete, and imposed the suspensions Sept. 25.
“First and foremost, the reaction from players and coaches was upsetting and shocking,” UMaine football coach Jack Cosgrove said Friday, Sept. 27. “But I also have concern for these players because of the impact this will have on their lives.”
Minor and Gomes hired Richardson and Costlow’s law firm to help file appeals of their suspensions. A three-member panel denied the first appeal Oct. 21. The case was allowed a final appeal, which was heard by Mark Anderson, interim chief financial officer at the university. Hoff had the option to hear the final appeal himself, but instead appointed Anderson, who chose to uphold the suspension on Nov. 18.
“I didn’t decide whether or not [Gomes and Minor] were guilty,” Anderson said Nov. 19. “I just followed tapes and the overall process to make sure all areas of the University of Maine System Conduct Code were followed completely.”
