Woman who had affair with Bo Ryan files defamation suit vs. Wisconsin officials

Robin Van Ert, the woman who had an extramarital affair with former Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan, is now suing University of Wisconsin school officials, according to a report from the Wisconsin State Journal.

Van Ert filed a suit on Wednesday in Madison for alleged defamation and other rights violations, including her privacy right for the revealing of her identity.

Van Ert originally reported to the school that an affair, which has been reported to have begun in 2009, was taking place in February 2015. Months later, Ryan announced that he would be retiring as head coach following the 2015-16 season; however in December of that year, he abruptly retired, and later said the decision had nothing to do with the affair.

The University of Wisconsin conducted an investigation that determined Ryan did not misuse any university resources and closed the investigation.

"As a direct and proximate result of defendants' actions, Van Ert has suffered severe emotional and physical distress and illness, loss of privacy, harm to her reputation, loss of business and has incurred substantial damages and legal fees," the complaint says.

In the complaint it is said that the initial investigation was ultimately a "sham" and was not done broadly enough, also claiming that Ryan was "unfit" to mentor student athletes, thus violating his contract with the school in his morality clause.

She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees.

Among those included in the suit are Chancellor Rebecca Blank, Athletic Director Barry Alvarez and university spokesperson John Lucas.