Former Waynesburg University coach files lawsuit
The former wrestling coach at Waynesburg University filed suit against the institution in federal court in Pittsburgh on Monday, claiming that he was treated differently than other athletic coaches because he is black. Charlie T. Heard of Morgantown, W.Va., was the head coach from April 2006 through January 2008. He worked part time during that time, according to the suit.
Attorney Richard C. Angino indicated that Heard was told his salary would be increased if he produced results.
To do that, Heard recruited “a number” of black wrestlers, but only two were accepted, the suit indicated.
He indicated that one of the wrestlers was not given enough financial aid, and would have been forced to drop out had Heard not intervened to get him more aid.
The second recruit did not receive enough aid to attend the university, the suit claimed.
Heard told university officials that their admission policies toward his wrestling recruits made it difficult for black students to get accepted.
Angino indicated that school officials made Heard’s potential recruits have higher grade point averages than other athletes who were admitted.
The suit also claimed an athletic director, who was not named as a defendant, inferred that young black students would cause trouble.
The suit alleged that on Jan. 28, 2008, Heard was assaulted by a 285-pound wrestler, and hit the student one time in self-defense.
Heard reported the matter to a security officer, and the next morning, he was told by a university official that he was suspended and should pick up his belongings.
Three days later, he was fired, the suit indicated.
The suit asks for money damages, but also asks a judge to order the university to hire Heard back to his old job.