Defense Verdict – S.C. v. Chaffey Joint Union High School District, et al.

Plaintiff, an African American sophomore on the JV volleyball team, had ongoing conflicts with her coaches. On one occasion, Plaintiff had to do a bear crawl across the gym floor with a towel under her hands as punishment for missing practice without informing the coaches. Doing a bear crawl was a common punishment for players and the towel was intended to make the player slide across the floor easier. Due to Plaintiff’s ongoing behavioral issues throughout the season, the coaches stripped Plaintiff of her captaincy and reduced her playing time. Following the season, Plaintiff sued the school district, her JV Coaches, and the Varsity Coach. The basis for Plaintiff’s claims was that the towel was wet, dirty, and stinky and the coaches made her do it because of her race. Plaintiff continued to play volleyball until she graduated high school. After prevailing in part on a Motion for Summary Judgment, Defendants served a 998 for $10,000 before trial. During trial, Defendants prevailed on multiple Motions for Non-Suits. Following the 11-day jury trial, the jury returned a full defense verdict on the remaining causes of actions.