The Shaw University athletic department issued a statement Thursday afternoon, saying it was aware of allegations that surfaced online.

“Shaw University is aware of recent allegations that have surfaced online,” the university wrote. “The university takes any allegations of misconduct seriously. The university has no further comment at this time.”

The online allegations, also shared with WRAL News, include claims of mental, physical and inappropriate behavior.

Shaw University senior guard Kiara Shepherd posted a TikTok video detailing issues she experienced while a member of the Lady Bears. She posted it earlier this week and it was flooded with comments from former players who claim they experienced similar issues as members of the university’s women’s basketball program.

Shepherd posted the video earlier this week to her nearly 82,000 TikTok followers. She said she posted to TikTok after filing a complaint to the university and not getting a response.

Shepherd said she reported her concerns to the university in February and has not heard from the university since.

“All I’m trying to do is bring awareness,” Shepherd said in the video. “[I] already went to the school, [and] went to HR [human resources] [to] try to pinpoint and get in contact with who I need to contact.”

“The school’s not doing nothing about it. So, I really had no choice but bring it onto social media, which I really didn’t want to do.”

Shepherd said she was kicked off the team after an uncomfortable interaction with a man affiliated with the Shaw University women’s basketball team.

“I’m really uncomfortable because like why are you touching me?” Shepherd said in the video.

On Thursday, WRAL News learned Shepherd plans to meet with Shaw the next day.

Shepherd appeared in 19 games for Shaw during the 2024-25 season. Her last game appearance was on Feb. 17 at Virginia Union. Shaw played in two other games after: One on Feb. 21 and the other on Feb. 25.

WRAL News asked reached out to Shaw University to ask about the people named in the accusations. We have not
received an answer to our questions.

WRAL News spoke with former Shaw University player Alliyah Chaplin on Thursday about her experiences.

“I experienced verbal abuse,” Chaplin said. “I experienced weird gestures and just a lot of weird stuff.”

Chaplin said those gestures were sexual in nature and made her uncomfortable on the team last year. She also said there was a moment in the locker room when a man affiliated with the team came in unannounced.

Chaplin said she never felt her concerns would be heard by filing formal complaints. Chaplin was not on the roster for the 2024-25 season. She played for the Lady Bears during the 2023-24 season.

According to Chaplin, the TikTok video made her rethink what could have been going on for years.

“What do you think people before us are saying?” Chaplin said.

Source: wral.com