Legal Question in Employment Law in Virginia

Wrongful Termination / Defamation
I'm a teacher and 2-sport coach at the same high school. Recently, I was told there had been complaints by parents and players of my intimidating coaching techniques, including the use of vulgar language and harsh comments directed at the players. Coaching contracts are signed yearly.From what I understand, 3 players from the team started this ordeal and parents followed with a petition to get me fired (contract non-renewed). I really never thought it would go to far, coaches are always dealing with complaints from both parents and players. I have a termination notice stating to the same above mentioned problems my contract will not be renewed.Now, I had 11 players on the basketball team and it is only 3 of those players that state these happenings occurred. The other players are livid. All of my assistant coaches stated during their interviews that this did not happen. Yet, I'm released from securing next years contract. Is this not wrongful termination and defamation of character? Doesn't there have to be substanciated proof?

Asked on 4/25/02, 2:01 pm

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Re: Wrongful Termination / Defamation

Having not had the opportunity to review the contract in question, I will, nevertheless, assert

with confidence my conclusion, that your school's exercise of what undoubtedly was one of their options, i.e., their option not to renew, is most

certainly not actionable either as wrongful termination or defamation.

If you doubt what I say, you could have your contract formally reviewed by an attorney who understands such matters.

Answered on 4/25/02, 3:24 pm

Keywords

Match Any Match All

Country

State

Area of Law