Ex-WSU coach Rolovich files lawsuit over firing

Former Washington State soccer coach Nick Rolovich has filed a lawsuit in opposition to the college, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and WSU athletic director Pat Chun searching for damages associated to his dismissal final yr for refusing to get vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

Rolovich had beforehand filed a declare in opposition to the college, which was a prerequisite for suing a state company. The 32-page grievance — which was filed Friday, in keeping with Rolovich’s lawyer, Brian Fahling — accommodates eight counts, together with breach of contract, discrimination in opposition to faith, wrongful withholding of wages and violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in addition to the First and 14th Amendments.

Not like the declare, which indicated Rolovich would search $25 million, the grievance didn’t specify how a lot cash he’s searching for. Nevertheless, it does request damages to incorporate the lack of previous and future earnings, liquidated damages from his employment, punitive damages and different prices associated to bringing the lawsuit.

A WSU spokesperson mentioned the college “will present additional remark as soon as our attorneys have had a chance to evaluate the claims made within the go well with.”

Requests for remark despatched to Inslee’s workplace and the WSU athletic division weren’t instantly returned Sunday evening.

WSU fired Rolovich and 4 assistant coaches for trigger final October for failing to adjust to the state’s vaccine mandate. It’s unclear whether or not the opposite coaches — Ricky Emblem, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber — additionally plan to sue.

Rolovich is presently working in a volunteer capability with the San Marin Excessive soccer workforce in Northern California, close to the place he grew up.