The top water polo player, 21, is under investigation over claims she MALLIZED rivals during college play – but team-mates say the allegations against her are nonsense
- UC Irvine sophomore Nina Flynn has been accused of inappropriately touching her rivals in a water polo match against Loyola Marymount
- Flynn is now under investigation by the university – but her irate teammates point out every water polo match is filled with such violations
- Flynn scored four goals in the game against LMU, helping her team win 11-8
A water polo player is under investigation for allegations that she molested two of her rivals while leading her team to victory at a college game.
Sophomore Nina Flynn, 21, was accused of inappropriately touching the intimate parts of two opposing players during a game last month and was temporarily suspended by her team, UC Irvine.
But the decision drew the wrath of her teammates, who refused to play in a prestigious tournament next week as Flynn denies the allegations.
And a parent of another player set up a GoFundMe on Flynn’s behalf, claiming that any water polo game was at fault for the violations she was accused of. The site has raised more than $27,000.
The case against Flynn revolves around a game between UC Irvine and Loyola Marymount during a February 16 game.
Sophomore Nina Flynn is facing allegations that she inappropriately abused the intimate parts of two opposing players – after leading her team to victory in a game on February 16
She scored four goals against LMU and helped her team win 11-8.
After complaints from two players, UC suspended Irvine Flynn, but the suspension was lifted on March 10.
Despite this, it is still formally investigated by the university’s Title IX Office, which regulates gender discrimination in sport.
The provisions of Title IX prohibit intentionally touching an complainant’s private parts without consent.
This includes the genitals, anus, groin, breasts and buttocks. The women who accused Flynn of the abuse have not been identified.
Flynn’s attorney, Alison P. Saros, told the Orange County Register, “Nina alleges that she is in no way responsible for the allegations and that according to (the) Title IX (Bureau) and film analysis and other evidence presented, the suspension was lifted and she was allowed to return to the pool while the investigation continues.
Flynn received an “honorable mention” at the 2022 All-American Nationals and is the older sister of Stanford and USA international Jenna Flynn.
GoFundMe, founded by David Tedesco, points out that the provisions of Title IX are “so comprehensive that every game of water polo, male or female, is replete with such violations.”
It continues: “Based on these allegations, the UCI could expel Nina from the UCI and prosecute the matter or expel her from the UCI Women’s Water Polo Team among other sanctions.”
Flynn’s lawyer said she vehemently denied the allegations against her
She received an “honorable mention” at the 2022 All-American Nationals and is the older sister of Stanford and USA international Jenna Flynn
More than $27,000 was raised for her legal fees after a teammate’s parents set up a GoFundMe
“Nina and the rest of the UCI women’s water polo team vehemently deny these allegations and are determined to fight not only for Nina’s innocence but also for the integrity of water polo.
“If a Title IX investigation becomes the forum for alleged playing time violations, there will be chaos for all water polo programs.”
Her teammates also boycotted the February 24-26 Barbara Kalbus Invitational.
Hosted by the UCI, the Kalbus Tournament is one of the biggest events on the women’s collegiate water polo calendar each year.
have reached out to both the UCI and LMU for comment.