Officials say the women's basketball team is unscathed by lawsuits.
By Robyn Disney Sports Editor Five weeks before the start of the women's basketball season, coach Jerry Ann Winters is facing two lawsuits and two investigations regarding allegations of racial discrimination. If the investigations from the Equal Opportunity Affairs office and former Judge Joseph Hatchett find evidence of wrongdoing, the university will take appropriate action, according to a statement from President Judy Genshaft. Former basketball players Dione Smith and Avia Lee have filed separate civil lawsuits claiming Winters discriminated against them because they are black and they were dismissed from the team because they complained about their treatment. Former assistant coach Tara Gibson filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and former secretary Lisa Walker sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education supporting Smith's allegations of racial discrimination. Despite what she is facing, Athletics Director Paul Griffin said Winters is still doing her job.