Blake Anderson Files $15 Million Lawsuit Against Utah State University.

Blake Anderson, 55, the former head coach of the Utah State University (USU) football team, has filed a $15 million civil lawsuit against his previous employer, USU, and two key executives.

The lawsuit filed on November 19, cites four grounds, including breach of contract and defamation, which Anderson claims have resulted in substantial damages and harm to his reputation, as detailed in the complaint.

According to the complaint, Anderson has sought multiple job opportunities in the coaching field but faced difficulties due to negative public perceptions stemming from USU’s actions. Despite interest from various schools, they declined to hire Anderson, citing concerns about the public backlash tied to the allegations.

The lawsuit names Mica McKinney, USU’s Vice President for Legal Affairs, and Diana Sabau, the Vice President and Director of Athletics, as defendants. Anderson claims that these officials engaged in a public smear campaign, spreading false and misleading statements regarding his conduct.

One key point of contention is an alleged investigation by USU, which Anderson argues was not impartial, with Sabau publicly criticizing his decision-making.

The lawsuit emphasizes Anderson’s 30-year coaching career, asserting that prior to the incidents leading to his dismissal, he had a strong, respected reputation in the sports world. Anderson's legal team is seeking a jury trial to hold the university accountable for damages, which are expected to exceed $15 million.

At the core of the lawsuit, Anderson disputes USU’s claim that he violated internal policies regarding employee reporting protocols related to sexual misconduct and domestic violence. USU maintains that Anderson's termination was due to these violations, as well as his failure to manage the team according to university standards.

Anderson's termination also raises questions about the contractual obligations between USU and the coach, including a potential $4.5 million buyout clause. In his legal complaint, Anderson argues that his termination was unjust, and he requests that the court hold USU accountable for the damages.

Anderson indicated in the lawsuit that his employment would be classified as "at-will" if USU informed him of a termination for "convenience."

Utah operates under at-will employment laws, meaning that in the absence of a written employment contract or other negotiated agreement, either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship for any reason.

USU, in response, has reiterated its position that Anderson's termination was warranted due to substantial policy violations. The case is ongoing, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications for both Anderson and the university.

“This decision is founded on substantial violations of his contractual duties concerning USU’s employee reporting protocols,” the statement indicated. “These protocols include a restriction preventing employees outside the USU Office of Equity from investigating matters of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence. Furthermore, Anderson did not manage the team in a manner that aligns with USU’s academic principles.”

In August, Anderson announced the engagement of local legal counsel to assist in exonerating his name. At that time, Bearnson & Caldwell released a statement confirming their involvement in the case on behalf of Anderson.

“All of the attorneys at Bearnson & Caldwell are true-blooded AGGIES.” the release stated, noting that the “administration’s actions have negatively impacted not only Coach Anderson and others in the USU football program, but other well respected community members such as Jerry Bovee, Amy Crosbie, Austin Albrect, and an entire USU community that turly bleeds ‘Aggie Blue."

The release from Bearnson & Caldwell stated: “Though accountability by the heads of the current administration will be the cost, their actions will be brought to bear, the truth will prevail, and USU’s true character and reputation will be preserved.”

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