AUSTIN, Texas ― Former Texas women’s track coach Bev Kearney, who won six national championships for the Longhorns before abruptly leaving 10 months ago, filed a $1 million lawsuit against the school Thursday, alleging race and gender discrimination and retaliation.
Kearney attorney Derek Howard said his client sued in Travis County District Court. Kearney, who is Black, resigned Jan. 5 as Texas was preparing to fire her for an inappropriate relationship with one of her athletes in 2002.
Texas later revealed that assistant football coach Major Applewhite, who is White, was allowed to keep his job after having an inappropriate relationship with a student trainer on a bowl trip in 2008.
Kearney’s suit seeks $1 million in damages for lost and future wages, mental anguish, court costs and loss of enjoyment of life. She was Texas’ first and only Black head coach in any sport.
Texas said it was reviewing the suit and would respond through the proper legal channels.
“Ms. Kearney was a coach with some admirable qualities who brought success to our women’s track program, overcame great challenges, and contributed to the campus community,” Patti Ohlendorf, university vice president for legal affairs, said in a statement.
“It was evident that Ms. Kearney displayed a serious lack of judgment by having an inappropriate, intimate, long-term relationship with a member of her team,” Ohlendorf added. “The team member later reported it to university officials who pursued all appropriate action.”
