Former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has publicly confirmed that former television dance coach Kevin Adams is the man who sexually assaulted him in 2021, stepping forward after the perpetrator’s name appeared in public court documents.
Andy Carroll Names Kevin Adams Following Public Court Records
Carroll initially discussed the assault in his autobiography, Owning It: In My Own Words, but did not name his attacker at the time because victims in the United Kingdom automatically receive legal anonymity. Once Adams’ name surfaced in public court documents, the 37-year-old forward chose to reveal his identity. “Hopefully I can finally put this chapter behind me.”
The 2021 Assault at Carroll’s Home
The incident occurred in 2021 while Carroll was playing for Newcastle United, following an evening when Adams invited himself to the player’s home to watch a boxing match. Carroll stated that he suspects Adams put something in his drink. After stating it was time for bed and offering to order a taxi, Adams insisted on staying in the guest room. Carroll, who sleeps naked, woke up during the night to find Adams under the sheets attempting to perform a sex act. Carroll then struck Adams unconscious, called the police, and traveled to the station to report the crime.
Adams Denied Allegations During Two-Year Legal Battle
The legal proceedings following the assault lasted two years, a period Carroll described as particularly harsh, humiliating, and emotionally draining. Aside from his partner at the time and her family, very few people knew about the ordeal, and Carroll received minimal support during the process. Adams denied the allegations throughout the trial.
Lasting Professional and Personal Trauma
The psychological toll of the assault and the subsequent trial severely disrupted Carroll’s daily life and professional career on the pitch. In his book, Carroll noted that he thought about the incident every single day, which hindered his ability to concentrate on football while he was playing for clubs including Newcastle and later moving to other sides. “What happened to me touched every aspect of my life,” Carroll wrote, adding that the trauma remains present. Now 37 years old and playing for Dagenham & Redbridge—where he also serves as a co-owner—Carroll has asked the public not to recirculate old photographs of him and Adams, explaining that he wishes to avoid constant reminders of his past.
Encouraging Other Survivors to Speak Out
By attaching his name to the conviction, Carroll hopes to encourage other victims of sexual abuse to break their silence and seek help. Despite the public exposure and the difficult memories tied to the court case, he believes sharing his full experience serves a broader purpose. “But if writing this can help even just one person, then it is worth it.”
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