The Buffalo Bills have chosen not to comment on a civil lawsuit recently filed against their 2025 first-round draft pick, cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Selected 30th overall from the University of Kentucky, Hairston had previously faced allegations of sexual assault during his college career, though no criminal charges were filed at the time.
The situation changed on Wednesday when Hairston was named in a civil lawsuit regarding the alleged 2021 incident. Despite being aware of the past accusations, the Bills proceeded with drafting him, stating that they had conducted a thorough investigation prior to making their selection.
During his college career, Hairston developed into one of the top defensive backs in the country. After limited playing time as a freshman, he became a starter in 2023, recording 68 tackles, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and six pass breakups. Injuries limited him to seven games in 2024, where he still managed 19 tackles, one interception (also returned for a touchdown), four pass breakups, and one sack.
The lawsuit now poses uncertainty around Hairston’s immediate future in the NFL. The Bills had anticipated him contributing early in his rookie season, but his role remains uncertain as legal proceedings move forward. Other players expected to be key parts of the team’s cornerback rotation include Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Dane Jackson, Tre’Davious White, and Cam Davis.
According to a report by 7 News WKBW, the lawsuit alleges Hairston engaged in non-consensual sexual activity in a campus dorm room in 2021. A team spokesperson reiterated that the Bills are not providing any public statements about the civil case at this time.
The NFL is expected to monitor the case closely, and potential disciplinary action could follow depending on the outcome of the legal process.
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