An embattled Kansas military school is asking a federal judge to rule at least partially in its favor after a former cadet admitted lying about being taped, bound and gagged against his will.

St. John’s Military School argues the former student has said in a sworn deposition the alleged incident began as a joke and that he asked his classmates to send a picture of it to his mother so she would take him out of the school.

Michael Kelly is among 11 former cadets who have sued the Salina boarding school alleging abuse.

St. John’s contended in a court filing Thursday that Kelly’s false allegation caused immense harm to its reputation.

An attorney for the former cadets did not immediately return phone and email messages Thursday.