Former Texas A&M diving coach Kevin Wright is now filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university in federal court, according to The Battalion.
The man who coached diving for 17 years at the university now claims that he was terminated because he raised concerns regarding Title IX compliance, which upset administrators. The Texas Whistleblower Act is supposed to protect state employees who report violations of the law.
Mr. Wright said that he had sent an e-mail to members of the Athletic Department expressing concern about compliance with Title IX gender equity statutes and requested that female athletes be treated equally to males on road trips. He then claimed that Athletic Department members acted in hostility to the e-mail.
The diving coach later formally submitted a written report of violations to the Athletic Department. This angered Athletic Director Bill Byrne, who allegedly showed up to Mr. Wright's house and fired him from his position.
While coaching at Texas A&M, Mr. Wright was the conference Coach of the Year for a total of 12 times. His Texas employment lawyer said that Mr. Wright tried to amend ties with the university before filing a lawsuit and that filing the lawsuit was a last resort.
"Coach Wright handled the matter internally for as long as he could, and he will now handle it within the legal system," his Texas employment lawyer told The Battalion.
Through this wrongful termination case, Mr. Wright claims that he has suffered loss of pay and benefits, decreased earning capacity, damage to reputation, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. He is seeking reinstatement of his coaching position and compensation.
Related Resources:
- Ten Things to Think About: Wrongful Discharge (FindLaw)
- Wrongful Termination Claims (FindLaw)
- Texas Employment Lawyer Directory (FindLaw)
