CHICAGO -- Former University of Illinois at Chicago basketball coach R. Thomas Meyer filed suit Thursday against the university in an effort to regain his job.
Meyer, the son of long-time DePaul Coach Ray Meyer, was head coach at Illinois-Chicago from 1977 until his dismissal Saturday by William Roetzheim, the university's athletic director.
Meyer, 39, of Oak Park, Ill., was removed from his six-year tenure after three of his players charged he was unresponsive to their needs and had overlooked their academic problems.
The suit described Meyer as a skillful and competent coach who has received numerous honors for his accomplishments at the unversity.
'Since 1977, the plaintiff has worked diligently and effectively to develop the unique skills, talent, and abilities necessary to be a head coach of men's basketball,' the suit said.
A dismissal letter dated April 15 from Roetzheim said Meyer's duties as head coach would be terminated and he would be reassigned to the Athletic Department office.
Meyer's attorney, Richard J. Phelan, said his client has reported to work daily but has not done any coaching.
The suit alleged that according to the University of Illinois guidelines, Meyer must be given a minimum of 12 months' notice if he is not going to be reappointed.
The suit said if Meyer is not returned to his position, his reputation as a sports professional will be harmed. The suit also said his removal from coaching will prevent him from recruiting and maintaining contact with high school athletes who had made commitments to enroll at the university.
