COVINGTON, Kentucky — from www.wlwt.com – A former teacher accused of having sex with a student took the stand in her defense Thursday.

Nicole Howell was fired from her job at Dayton High School in northern Kentucky after a 16-year-old football player said he had sex with her. She said she had been waiting for this day to tell her side of the story.

Howell testified that she graduated from Northern Kentucky University in May 2008 with degrees in English and education. She said that she began working at the high school shortly thereafter.

Howell said that rumors about her began spreading after an anti-drug talk in one of her classes. She said some students said she was on drugs and selling them. Howell said the principal investigated and determined it was a rumor.

The former teacher said the students would often make lewd comments directed at her. She said it became so bad that she began to ignore the comments.

Howell said she and her accuser met because she was the assistant coach of the cheerleading team and he was a football player. She said she gave him a ride once in her car, along with several cheerleaders, but said that was the only time he was in her car.

When questioned about a series of text messages sent between Howell and the student, Howell said he was the one who sent sexually suggestive messages. She said she responded with phrases like “you wish” and “maybe when you’re in college.”

Howell said all of her responses were in a joking manner and admitted that she never outright told him no.

“I will regret that for the rest of my life because that’s why I’m here today,” she said.

Defense Attorney Eric Deters continued questioning Howell about her relationship with the student.

“Did you have sexual intercourse with him?” asked Deters.

“No,” replied Howell.

“Oral sex?” asked Deters.

“No,” she replied again.

“Did you ever hold his hand?” continued Deters.

“No,” she continued.

“Kiss him?” asked Deters.

“No,” she insisted.

Howell will continue her testimony Friday morning. The jury could begin deliberations sometime Friday afternoon.