Fired Utah State head football coach says he plans to sue university
LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — Former Utah State head football coach Blake Anderson plans to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against Utah State University, according to a release he posted on X/Twitter earlier today, Aug. 21.
The former head football coach for USU released the statement through his attorney after USU terminated his position earlier this year on the grounds of a Title IX complaint involving a sexual assault lawsuit.
In the release, Anderson stated he has retained local legal counsel through Bearnson & Caldwell Attorneys and filed a complaint over what he claims is “a breach of contract.”
The statement, which was prepared by his legal counsel, says the coach is “mindful of the numerous inaccurate statements that have been made by USU’s new administrators, including Athletic Director Diana Sabau.”
Anderson and his lawyers claim that many questioned if Anderson would file a suit, like former deputy Athletic Director Jerry Bovee and Amy Crosbie, arguing against termination. The statement said his contract is in a different class than Bovee and Crosbie who were also fired around this investigation.
Anderson also stated that the firing was “essentially a public smear campaign, not only against Coach Anderson but also against USU itself.
“The public arena is typically not the preferred place for these types of disputes to be aired,” the release states.
His attorneys state that the actions of the university’s administration have impacted not only Anderson but many others who are part of the USU community, as well.
“Coach Anderson followed all of the proper reporting processes during his time at USU and throughout his lengthy coaching career and has always complied with Title IX and all University policies as trained by USU and every other University where he has coached,” the release states.
In July, the university announced its “intent to fire” Anderson on the grounds of Title IX.
This stems from a lawsuit filed in 2021 by Kaytri Flint, which claimed she was sexually assaulted by a USU football player. Flint agreed to settle in 2022 for $500,000. Shortly after Flint’s suit was filed, former Aggie football player Patrick Maddox sued the university.
He said that he spoke out against alleged sexual assault and misconduct but when he reported this, the football team retaliated.
The university paid Maddox $150,000 in a settlement.
“This decision comes after a thorough external review of alleged noncompliance with university policies that implement Title IX, which require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct – including domestic violence – and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves,” USU officials said in a statement on July 2.
Anderson’s attorneys argue that the former coach doesn’t tolerate that behavior.
“Coach Anderson, as a husband, father, coach, and leader, does not condone any type of abuse whatsoever and has always been the first to step in to prevent those behaviors and enforce accountability when these issues have arisen,” the press release states.
The release also stated that throughout his coaching career, Anderson always followed NCAA policy on Title IX as directed by every university he’s coached at previously.
In a letter dated July 29 of this year, over 100 current and former USU student-athletes addressed the USU Board of Trustees and the Board of Higher Education and called for “a full and transparent investigation” into the dismissals which the group called “questionable.”
ABC4.com reached out to Utah State University for comment and received this statement from the university:
“The university stands firm in its employment actions, and we are focused on building a respectful, transparent and reporting culture in the Utah State University community.”
AMANDA DERITO, Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications, Utah State University
Anderson’s lawyers noted that this is the only statement the public will get from Anderson for the time being.
“Due to the anticipated and forthcoming litigation, Coach Anderson will not be making further statements at this time. As the process unfolds, we may provide further information and will let you know if he is interested and able to provide an interview or further comment.”
Aubri O. Thomas, Legal Counsel for Blake Anderson
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