It’s a tough start to an NFL career for Maxwell Hairston, the Buffalo Bills’ first-round draft pick, who’s now caught in the middle of a serious controversy.
The 21-year-old cornerback is facing a civil lawsuit over an alleged sexual assault from his time at the University of Kentucky — and while the legal case plays out, his team is backing him.
The Lawsuit Against Hairston
The lawsuit was filed by Rebecca Hendryx, a former classmate at Kentucky, who claims that in early 2021, Hairston forced his way into her dorm room and sexually assaulted her.
According to her attorneys, she physically resisted, but Hairston allegedly removed her clothing and assaulted her regardless.
At the time of the alleged incident, Hairston was 17 years old.
He has not been criminally charged and maintains that he was previously cleared after a university-led investigation.
Bills GM Defends Hairston’s Character
Despite the lawsuit making headlines, Bills General Manager Brandon Beane hasn’t wavered in his support.
Speaking to the media, Beane praised Hairston for facing the allegations head-on and not hiding from scrutiny.
“This kid didn’t run from anything,” Beane said. “He gave up his phone.
He took a polygraph. Every door we looked behind showed us he’s a solid young man — someone you’d trust around your kids.”
Beane admitted that the legal process limits how much can be said publicly, but made it clear he believes Hairston is being unfairly judged based on unproven allegations.
“Sometimes these guys can be victims too,” he said.
“They make a lot of money, and people don’t often defend them.”
A Painful Reminder of a Previous Bills Scandal
Beane also referenced a similar case the Bills faced a few years ago involving punter Matt Araiza.
In 2022, Araiza was released from the team after being accused in a gang rape case involving several college football players at a party in San Diego.
Though he was named in the lawsuit, Araiza later filed a defamation countersuit, and the woman eventually dropped him from the case in December 2024.
Both sides ended up dropping their lawsuits entirely, and Araiza was later picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Beane said that experience shaped how the team handled Hairston’s case — taking time to carefully investigate the claims before deciding to draft him 30th overall this past April.
Hairston Maintains His Innocence
Speaking publicly for the first time since the lawsuit became public, Hairston emphasized that he has nothing to hide.
“I did multiple polygraphs and cooperated fully with Kentucky’s investigation,” he told reporters.
“I’ve been open from the start.”
He added that he comes from a family with strong values and deep respect for women.
“I have two sisters I love dearly,” he said. “That’s why I was determined to clear my name. I was an open book through all of it.”
What’s Next for Hairston and the Bills?
While the legal process unfolds, Hairston will continue training and preparing for the upcoming NFL season — with the full backing of the Buffalo Bills organization, at least for now.
The team has made it clear they vetted him before the draft, and Beane’s latest remarks show they’re not rushing to judgment.
Whether this lawsuit has a long-term impact on Hairston’s career remains to be seen, but for now, both the player and his team are standing firm in their belief that the truth will come out in due time.