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Headed to trial Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against UNC coachPosted: Wednesday November 20, 2002 4:21 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A federal judge declined to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by two former female soccer players against the University of North Carolina. The ruling ends a wait of more than three years since state attorneys sought dismissal of the suit in June 1999. Any trial is expected to be at least a year away. The ruling Nov. 13 by U.S. Judge Carlton Tilley Jr. means both sides can proceed in a case that could produce a look at the inner workings of the United States' top women's college soccer program. Former players Melissa Jennings and Debbie Keller filed the $12 million suit in Chicago in August 1998, but the case was moved to Greensboro. Both women contend that North Carolina coach Anson Dorrance sexually harassed them by asking questions about their sex lives and the sexual activities of their teammates. Keller further contends Dorrance made unwanted phone calls and physical contact that amounted to assault and battery. Keller played at North Carolina from 1993 through 1996 and was national player of the year in 1996. Jennings was a reserve from 1996 through 1998. The 51-year-old Dorrance has been women's soccer coach at North Carolina since 1979. He, three assistant soccer coaches, the university and three administrators are being represented by lawyers in the state attorney general's office. A spokesman for the state agency declined comment on the judge's
decision Wednesday. An attorney representing Jennings and Keller,
Marvin Schiller, did not return calls seeking comment.
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