A former women’s assistant basketball coach at UC Riverside (UCR) has sued the university, claiming that she wasn’t promoted to head coach, as promised, because she participated in the investigation of the former head coach.
Plaintiff Giuliana Mendiola, who coached at UCR from 2012 until 2019, filed the lawsuit on April 18 in United States District Court against the regents of the University of California, Head Coach John Margaritis and Athletic Director Tamica Smith Jones.
The dispute began when allegations surfaced that Margaritis verbally and emotionally abused players. Specifically, team members alleged that Margaritis routinely threatened to take away their scholarships, body-shamed and otherwise insulted them during film sessions and in practices, as well as belittling his assistant coaches, berating trainers and putting pressure on injured and concussed players to return to the court.
As the investigation began, Smith Jones allegedly told Mendiola that she would replace Margaritis as head coach, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.
During the investigation, Mendiola reportedly answered questions and corroborated what students said.
Mendiola had previously been subject to unfair treatment based on her gender, the lawsuit alleges. The suit alleges that Margaritis once asked her for a hug after losing his temper and belittling her, and another time physically blocked her from leaving the office.
Margaritis, however, was suspended for only 20 days in 2019 and remained the head coach. Meanwhile, Mendiola’s contract was not renewed. She was reportedly offered the assistant job again weeks later, but declined in light of the fact that she had been promised the head coaching job.
The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future lost wages, damages for emotional distress, punitive damages against those named in the lawsuit and other payments, all in amounts to be determined.
Wesley Mallette, a spokesperson for UCR’s athletic programs, gave the media the following statement:
“Regarding Coach Mendiola, her contract had expired and was not renewed. Several weeks later, she was offered her job back and did not respond.”
