Two former California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) softball players have filed a lawsuit against the university, the California State University Board of Trustees, and former Assistant Coach James Davenport, alleging sexual harassment, abuse, and assault.
Filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the lawsuit identifies the plaintiffs as V.S. and J.R. to protect their privacy. The players claim that between 2022 and 2025, Head Coach Letty Olivarez and Assistant Coach Davenport created a sexually charged environment by openly discussing their sex lives with team members.
According to the complaint, players who reported harassment by Davenport were punished by being excluded from away tournaments. Davenport allegedly called the group the “Snitch Group” and was never disciplined.
The lawsuit further accuses Davenport of escalating his behavior to physical contact during the 2024–2025 season, including leaving a visible mark on one player’s inner leg after a game at Loyola Marymount University. J.R. also alleges that Olivarez instructed players to “spy” on Davenport to see if he was involved with other women.
The plaintiffs claim the misconduct continued until February 2025, when they reported the incidents to CSU Police. They allege that the university took no action. Later that month, both players were sent home from the Fresno State Invitational following a dispute with an administrator traveling with the team.
Following the lawsuit’s filing, CSUB President Vernon B. Harper Jr. said the university “takes the concerns raised by current and former students seriously” and will “fully cooperate in the legal proceedings.”
Both Davenport and Olivarez deny the allegations. The university placed them on leave in March 2025 after a viral TikTok video by former player Violet Salazar accused Davenport of sexual assault and Olivarez of body-shaming. Olivarez remains on paid leave, while Davenport is no longer employed by CSUB.
Davenport has claimed that the allegations were retaliation for his concerns about Salazar’s alleged relationship with Assistant Basketball Coach Kevin Mays, who is now facing human trafficking and child pornography charges.
President Harper refuted Davenport’s claims, emphasizing that CSUB reported all criminal allegations to outside law enforcement, including the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI.
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