Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Illinois

I was let go from a coaching position and was given two reasons. The first was that several parents and their daughters made comments that I was creepy to the principal. I was never given the opportunity to sit down with these parents and ask them for a reason for that their daughters felt that way. The second was that I participated in an on-line softball chat room. This is a softball discussion board where the conversation was about rules, high school programs and summer programs. During my final season the Athletic Director told me several times that he knew the "creepy" accusations were unfounded and that I was doing a great job. These parents took the situation over his head to the principal. I have been unable to land a new coaching job after several interviews beacuse a red flag goes up when the prospective employer ask why the school would let a coach who was 58-3 over two years go. I have no answer for that question. I feel I was let go without ever being able to face my detractors (I never coached their daughters, they were on varsity and I was the freshman coach) and in violation of my first amendment rights. I never at any time made comments about players or our high school when I would post on the chatroom.


Asked on 11/26/09, 4:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sal Sheikh www.BetterCallSal.com

You need to speak with an employment law attorney.

If in fact there are "rumors" of alleged inappropriate behavior and the school district is repeating this you may have a defamation/libel/slander type cause of action to pursue damages.

I offer consultations at reasonable rates and would gladly discuss your case with you. Contact me if you would like to discuss further.

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Answered on 12/01/09, 5:23 pm


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