A former Morehead State University men’s basketball coach is now at the center of a major civil lawsuit filed in Scott County, Kentucky.
According to the lawsuit, former Scott County High School basketball coach Sean Woods is accused of repeated inappropriate conduct involving two students, including allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. The lawsuit further alleges that school administrators and officials failed to properly respond to complaints and instead worked to conceal the alleged misconduct while allowing Woods to continue coaching and participating in school activities during investigations.
The complaint reportedly names Woods along with several school officials and administrators as defendants and seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
According to the filing, the alleged conduct included inappropriate physical contact, sexual comments, inappropriate conversations with students, and inviting students to parties where alcohol was allegedly present. The suit also claims complaints were discouraged and that required reports to law enforcement were delayed or ignored.
The allegations remain claims made within a civil lawsuit and have not been proven in court.
The lawsuit further alleges Woods had prior issues involving misconduct before being hired at Scott County. That portion of the filing has drawn additional attention locally because Woods previously served as head coach of the men’s basketball program at Morehead State University from 2012 until late 2016.
During his time at Morehead State, Woods was suspended amid an investigation into alleged player mistreatment. He later faced misdemeanor battery charges in Indiana after allegations that he assaulted players during a game. Woods ultimately resigned from the university in December 2016.
Those incidents generated significant headlines across Eastern Kentucky at the time and made national sports news outlets.
The current lawsuit claims the two students involved eventually transferred schools after what plaintiffs describe as repeated failures by school officials to remove Woods from his position. Woods reportedly resigned from Scott County Schools in March 2026 after social workers allegedly substantiated claims against him.
Scott County Schools released a brief public statement acknowledging awareness of the lawsuit and stating the district would address the allegations through the legal process.
As of publication, no criminal conviction has been announced in relation to the newly filed civil allegations, and the claims remain allegations pending litigation.
The Morehead Minute will continue monitoring developments in this case as additional information becomes available.