Judge Dismisses Much of Ex-Softball Coach's Lawsuit

U.S. District Court Judge James Robart threw out claims by former UW Softball Coach Teresa Wilson that the UW discriminated on the basis of gender when it decided not to renew her contract in December 2003. The judge ruled on March 25 that the University had sound reasons behind the termination following a prescription drug scandal.

In his decision, Robart wrote that the University "had reason to be concerned that plaintiff had not exercised good judgment in protecting athletes on the softball team, and might exercise poor judgment in the future."

Reports of prescription drug abuse among UW softball players surfaced in the fall of 2003. In April 2004, an internal investigation of the program found that team doctor William Scheyer improperly prescribed and distributed large quantities of narcotic medicine and other prescription drugs to UW softball players from 1999 to 2003. Scheyer has pleaded guilty to federal charges surrounding the case and will be sentenced in May.

Some players—and Scheyer—told UW investigators that Wilson knew of the doctor's illegal practices. The UW removed Wilson from the team in December 2003, although it continued to pay her until the end of her contract. She now coaches at Texas Tech.

Robart's decision removed a claim that some legal experts said would have been the most damaging and costly. He also removed another allegation, that the UW violated Wilson's due process in terminating her contract. Other charges in the lawsuit that allege infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination and breach of contract were not dismissed.

Also see:

• Associated Press article via espn.com: "Judge: School had reason for dismissal"
• Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Major portion of Wilson suit dismissed; Discrimination charges against UW thrown out"