Andy Carroll Reveals Other Footballers Have Reported Sexual Assaults
The footballer shared that well-known players have contacted him with similar experiences after he disclosed his own assault.
Andy Carroll, the 37-year-old footballer, has revealed that other prominent players in the sport have come forward to report being sexually assaulted after he publicly shared his own experience. Carroll disclosed in his new book, 'Owning It,' that he was "traumatically" assaulted several years ago.
The Assault and Conviction
Carroll detailed in the book that he woke up to find a "celebrity mate" attempting to assault him. Court documents later identified the abuser as Kevin Adams, 59, a former contestant on the BBC dance show Fame Academy. Adams was convicted of sexual assault in 2023 and received a 20-month prison sentence.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Carroll stated that he "will probably never get over it." However, he also noted that in the weeks following his public disclosure, he has received numerous communications from individuals who have experienced similar attacks. "People that I know really well that have come to me with similar things happened to them. People in football as well - well known footballers," Carroll said. He added that these disclosures have provided him with significant support.
Carroll's Account of the Incident
Carroll, who currently plays for National League side Dagenham & Redbridge, recounted that the assault occurred after Adams invited himself over to watch a boxing match. Carroll, then playing for Newcastle United, was on his way home when Adams contacted him. Adams then came to Carroll's home, mixed drinks, and Carroll began to feel unwell, suspecting he had been drugged. He decided to go to bed, expecting Adams to leave, but Adams remained. Carroll awoke to find Adams attempting to assault him.
Carroll reported that he physically reacted and ordered Adams out of the house. Adams was subsequently found guilty of sexual offenses, imprisoned, and placed on the Sex Offender Register. He was also banned from the village where Carroll lived. During the trial, Adams attempted to claim he was the victim, but the judge dismissed his defense as an "incredible tale."
Aftermath and Support
Adams had previously run the Kevin Adams Academy, a children's dance school, which ceased operations in 2022. Carroll expressed that leading up to the release of his book, he experienced significant anxiety, particularly concerning the potential public identification of his abuser. He initially withdrew from social contact but found that speaking out and receiving support from social media comments and his current teammates and staff has been beneficial.
Carroll joined Dagenham & Redbridge in 2025 and has made 16 appearances, scoring six goals. His prior career included spells at West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool, as well as nine caps for the England national team.