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Eight lawsuits alleging racism in the women's basketball program want money mostly for college expenses, anguish, lost wages.
©Associated Press
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 15, 2001
TAMPA -- The eight women suing South Florida over allegations of racism in its basketball program are seeking a combined $395,000 in damages, according to court records released Monday.
Damages in the eight separate lawsuits filed by current and former players run from $30,000 to $70,000, mostly to cover college expenses, mental anguish and lost wages.
The scandal forced the firing of coach Jerry Ann Winters, the subject of the allegations, and the resignation of athletic director Paul Griffin.
Tampa attorney Jonathan Alpert, who is representing all the women, said the amount being sought is low considering the gravity of the case.
"This case is about racism and discrimination, not money," Alpert said.
USF spokesman Michael Reich said: "We haven't seen the filing, so we're not in a position to be able to comment on it."
Winters is challenging her firing. She denies she is racist and accuses university investigators of misrepresenting information and witness' statements in order to fire her.
Player Dione Smith sued Winters and the university last year, claiming she was dismissed from the team after complaining to university officials of racist attitudes among the coaching staff.
The seven other suits followed. All claim that black players were segregated and demeaned and the university did nothing to protect them.
Current and former university employees have since come forward to say they either witnessed racism or were forced to cover it up.
Among damages being sought is about $40,000 for physical injuries.
Some plaintiffs claim they were forced to play injured or went without appropriate medical treatment because of racist attitudes, Alpert said. Others claim they have suffered from depression over how they were treated.
The sides are due back in court next week. U.S. Magistrate Mark Pizzo has said he will send all parties to a mediator to settle the case.
The damages figures could grow or shrink once experts are brought in to examine the case, Alpert said.