Nearly one year after Fred Parker, former head coach of the Carleton Ravens men’s hockey team, filed a lawsuit against the university for wrongful dismissal, the two parties haven’t come any closer to an agreement, according to Parker’s lawyer, Bruce Sevigny.
Parker was terminated as head coach of the team last May, after talks to renew his contract broke down. At the time of his dismissal, he told the Charlatan the university let him go when he turned down a four-year offer and asked for a one-year contract instead.
After mediation talks broke down last month, Sevigny confirmed the university intends to put forth a summary judgment motion that would dismiss Parker’s case before it went to trial.
While Parker said in a statement issued by his lawyer that he believes the motion is an “aggressive strategic move,” he and Sevigny both said it could actually help his case.
“At present, [Parker] is restricted from disclosing evidence that has come out of documents that Carleton has had to produce in this lawsuit,” Sevigny said in an email. “Similarly, he is restricted from disclosing evidence that came from [Carleton’s director of recreation and athletics] Jennifer Brenning, when she was questioned by me, under oath, during the deposition process.”
“When and if Carleton brings this motion, there will be no restriction on Fred’s ability to use this information to fully respond to the motion.”
“To be honest, I welcome the opportunity to tell my side of the story in open court,” Parker said. “My lawyer and I have worked very hard over the last year to uncover the real story here.”
Carleton’s lawyer, Lynn Harnden, refused to comment on the university’s plan to request the summary judgment motion, but issued the following statement.
“This remains an ongoing legal matter and we are not going to argue our case through the media. We are confident in our position and, should the issue make its way to court, we will defend the university’s position vigorously. We are not going to comment further at this point.”
If Carleton follows through with the motion, Sevigny said he suspects it will be heard in court in October or November.
