Smith claims the university rushed to terminate him without conducting a fair investigation and improperly relied on "false" allegations.
ATHENS, Ohio — Former Ohio University head football coach Brian Smith filed a lawsuit accusing the university of wrongfully firing him and damaging his reputation after allegations of misconduct last year.
According to the complaint, Smith claims the university rushed to terminate him without conducting a fair investigation and improperly relied on allegations that were “false, disputed and unproven.”
University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez sent Smith and his attorney the notice of intent to terminate his contract on Dec. 12. Smith had been placed on indefinite leave on Dec. 1.
The reasons outlined in the notice included “participation in extramarital affairs” and “alcohol-related conduct," including participating in a public event during which Smith smelled strongly of alcohol and “were intoxicated in your demeanor,” according to the records.
Smith claims Ohio University violated his contract by firing him without proper cause and did not give him the opportunity to respond to the allegations before his termination.
He argued that firing him "for cause" allowed the university to avoid paying out the remainder of his multi-year contract.
The suit seeks monetary damages, including his lost salary and other compensation.
A spokesperson for the university sent the following statement to 10TV in response to the lawsuit:
"As the University...
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