Dawn Staley sues Missouri AD for slander; SEC fines him

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley is suing Missouri's athletic director, saying he slandered her when he suggested she created an atmosphere that encouraged fans to spit on his players and use racial slurs.

Staley's suit filed in Richland County asks for no more than $75,000 in damages from Sterk for disparaging her reputation.

Also on Thursday, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey fined Jim Sterk $25,000 and reprimanded him for publicly criticizing Staley.

Sterk broke a conference rule banning public criticism of other member institutions, their staff or players, Sankey said in a statement that also said SEC officials would review how South Carolina handles its crowd during games.

"We take seriously the reports from Missouri's student-athletes about inappropriate language and actions directed at them by individual fans, and appreciate South Carolina's willingness to engage in a full review of fan behavior," Sankey said.

Missouri did not comment on the lawsuit, but a statement from both university President Mun Y. Choi and Chancellor Alexander Cartwright said they backed Sterk after the SEC's fine.

"Since he came here in August 2016, Jim has exhibited a passion for our student athletes and their success and safety both on and off the court. He has proven himself to be an excellent administrator," the statement said.

Source: Yahoo News