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| File photo of Carlos Briggs playing for Anejo Rhum in the PBA |
The former assistant coach of the University of Detroit Mercy basketball squad who alleged the school of wrongful dismissal last year is back. Coach Carlos Briggs, who used to play professionally as an import player here in the Philippines, has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the catholic school and two others claiming that he was fired after he blew the whistle on an inappropriate relationship between two former colleagues in the athletic department.
Briggs, in a lawsuit filed in Wayne County Court, accuses UDM of firing him in retaliation after he filed a whistle-blower report about the school’s former athletic director and another former assistant coach. He also filed lawsuits against the former athletic director and the school’s media consultant for defamation. Last year, Briggs vaguely implied that he had been wrongfully dismissed to cover up the misconducts of others.
In the suit, Briggs is claiming that two former colleagues in the athletic department engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship that affected players and created some rift within the organization. Both are married and were fired back in August after the university received the report. Briggs was fired not too long afterwards.
According to sources, players also noticed the relationship with some even reporting it to the head coach who apparently did nothing to address the matter. The relationship caused a stir in the locker room with concerned players and coaches being disfavored by the female athletic director.
Briggs claims that he filed an anonymous complaint about the relationship but his identity was revealed. A local media consultant hired by the school tarnished his reputation by releasing media statements aimed to undermine his personal integrity.
In Detroit, such a lawsuit can result in the school paying for punitive and defamatory damages. Briggs is asking the court for an amount greater than the $25,000 minimum awarded if proven. The former coach fears that his reputation has been damaged because of the schools policy.
Wrongful discharge and defamation because you did the right thing is unfair, unjustly and against the principles that made America such a strong and proud nation.
Briggs, in a lawsuit filed in Wayne County Court, accuses UDM of firing him in retaliation after he filed a whistle-blower report about the school’s former athletic director and another former assistant coach. He also filed lawsuits against the former athletic director and the school’s media consultant for defamation. Last year, Briggs vaguely implied that he had been wrongfully dismissed to cover up the misconducts of others.
In the suit, Briggs is claiming that two former colleagues in the athletic department engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship that affected players and created some rift within the organization. Both are married and were fired back in August after the university received the report. Briggs was fired not too long afterwards.
According to sources, players also noticed the relationship with some even reporting it to the head coach who apparently did nothing to address the matter. The relationship caused a stir in the locker room with concerned players and coaches being disfavored by the female athletic director.
Briggs claims that he filed an anonymous complaint about the relationship but his identity was revealed. A local media consultant hired by the school tarnished his reputation by releasing media statements aimed to undermine his personal integrity.
In Detroit, such a lawsuit can result in the school paying for punitive and defamatory damages. Briggs is asking the court for an amount greater than the $25,000 minimum awarded if proven. The former coach fears that his reputation has been damaged because of the schools policy.
Wrongful discharge and defamation because you did the right thing is unfair, unjustly and against the principles that made America such a strong and proud nation.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is
a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business
professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international
trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry.
Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours
Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and
working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes
firm.
Originally written for Miller Cohen, posted 14 Feb., 2013
Tags: whistle-blower report, wrongful termination lawsuit, University of Detroit Mercy, punitive and defamatory damages, inappropriate sexual relationship
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