Buffalo Bills Support Maxwell Hairston Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit: ‘A Young Man You’d Welcome’
Buffalo Bills GM Backs Rookie Maxwell Hairston Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit
By Oliver Salt | Updated: 04:56 BST, 24 July 2025
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has publicly supported rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston following sexual assault allegations from a 2021 incident at the University of Kentucky.
Hairston joined the Bills as the 30th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hairston, 21, faces a civil lawsuit filed by Rebecca Hendryx, a former classmate who alleges he sexually assaulted her in her dorm room when both were students. Hendryx claims Hairston forced his way into her room, removed her clothing, and assaulted her. At the time, Hairston was 17 and has denied the allegations, stating he was "exonerated" by a university investigation. No criminal charges have been filed.
Beane defended Hairston during a press conference, emphasizing the rookie’s cooperation in previous investigations. “He didn’t run from anything. He took a polygraph test,” Beane said. “This is a young man you’d let in your house. We turned over every stone during our vetting process.”
Beane praised Hairston’s character amid the allegations.
The GM also referenced former Bills punter Matt Araiza, who was released in 2022 after a rape accusation but later saw the lawsuit against him dismissed. Beane hinted at skepticism toward the timing of the accusations, suggesting high-profile athletes can be targets.
Hairston, addressing reporters, reiterated his innocence: “The University of Kentucky’s investigation cleared me. I voluntarily took polygraphs because I have nothing to hide. I respect all women—I have two sisters I love dearly.”
The alleged incident occurred during Hairston’s freshman year at Kentucky.
Beane confirmed the Bills thoroughly investigated the claims before drafting Hairston. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks unspecified damages.
Key Points:
- The Bills stand by Hairston, citing his transparency during vetting.
- Hairston was 17 during the alleged 2021 incident.
- No criminal charges exist; prior university probe found no misconduct.
The case draws parallels to Araiza’s dropped lawsuit, underscoring the complexities of high-profile legal battles. Hairston remains active in Bills training camp as the legal process unfolds.
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