CINCINNATI (AP) — A former Xavier University basketball player is suing the school, alleging it damaged his reputation by expelling him for what he says was a false sexual assault accusation.

Dez Wells’ federal lawsuit also names the private Catholic school’s president as a defendant. A statement from Father Michael Graham says the university denies the allegations and will defend its decision.

Xavier expelled Wells a year ago after a woman accused him of sexual assault. A Hamilton County grand jury then decided against indicting him, and the prosecutor publicly questioned the school’s expulsion.

Wells, who is from Raleigh, N.C., was a freshman star for Xavier. He transferred to University of Maryland and was a top player there last season.

His lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory, punitive and special damages to be determined at trial.