A resolution to the former Oregon State University men’s rowing head coach’s lawsuit against the university will potentially be delayed following an extension to the document discovery deadline.
Former OSU men’s rowing coach Gabe Winkler was terminated from his position on Aug. 19, with a retroactive effective termination date of Aug. 12. Following his termination, Winkler filed a civil lawsuit against Oregon State University and Scott Barnes, the vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, on Oct. 20.
Since then, both Winkler and OSU/Barnes agreed to extend the deadline for document discovery from May 5 to July 3. In the lawsuit, Winkler requested that Barnes and OSU produce many documents. These include (among others) all documents containing communications between Barnes and Winkler since September 2021, all documents concerning OSU’s budget for the men’s rowing team and all documents containing communications related to Winkler’s termination.
OSU’s claim for firing Winkler for cause was that he created a misogynistic “bro-culture” that led to too many complaints to OSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Winkler claimed in the lawsuit that he was never spoken to about any past terminable actions, nor were any alleged incidents of misconduct subject to any investigation.
Winkler’s lawsuit stresses that he strived to create an inclusive environment on the team (which has male, female and nonbinary athletes) and mandated that his athletes report any instances of harassment or discrimination to the coaching staff or EOA.
Winkler is seeking over $4.5 million in damages. The day after Winkler’s termination, Barnes publicly announced that the men’s and women’s rowing teams had been consolidated. Winkler claims in the lawsuit that OSU and Barnes made up the reasons to terminate him for cause in order not to pay out his base salary, which they would be obligated to if they terminated him for no cause.
Barnes’ retirement, which takes effect Aug. 31, will not affect his role as a defendant in the case. The claim is against Barnes as an individual, not against the titleholder of the vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics position.
Any further discovery related to any depositions that arise will be due Aug. 14, as will the change or consolidation of any claims in the lawsuit. Motions to dismiss any part of the lawsuit will be due Sep. 15. Winkler demanded a trial by jury, a date for which has not been set.
