Bills GM Defends Rookie Maxwell Hairston Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The Buffalo Bills are standing resolutely by their first-round draft pick, Maxwell Hairston, as he navigates a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault from his time at the University of Kentucky in 2021. The young cornerback, selected 30th overall, is in the midst of his first NFL training camp, but the shadow of this legal battle looms large.

Bills General Manager Brandon Beane didn’t shy away from addressing the issue, expressing frustration—not at Hairston, but at the constraints of the legal process. "You can’t sit there and say things back and forth. You’ve got to let it go," Beane told reporters. He highlighted Hairston’s willingness to cooperate fully during investigations, including surrendering his phone and taking polygraph tests. Beane’s stance is clear: "This kid didn’t run from anything."

The lawsuit, filed in Kentucky earlier this month by Rebecca Hendryx, accuses Hairston of forcibly removing her clothes and assaulting her despite her objections. Hairston, who was 17 at the time of the alleged incident, has denied the claims, emphasizing that a thorough university investigation exonerated him. "I volunteered to do multiple polygraphs because I had nothing to hide," he stated, underscoring his respect for women and his determination to clear his name.

Beane went further, painting Hairston as a person of character—a young man you’d trust in your home. He also raised a broader concern about athletes becoming targets of accusations, sometimes unjustly, due to their visibility and earnings. It’s a tough spot for any organization to navigate, balancing support for a player with the gravity of such allegations.

On the field, Hairston is expected to make an immediate impact in Buffalo’s secondary, potentially starting alongside Christian Benford. His infectious enthusiasm, captured on camera during the NFL Draft as he cheered for fellow draftees, already endeared him to fans. Now, as this legal challenge unfolds, the Bills’ unwavering support signals their belief in both his talent and his character.