Football Game Incident Moves to U.S. Federal District Court
Columbus, OH – In a Thursday press release by the Cleveland-based Chandra Law firm, it was revealed “Brent Gay, a Belmont County, Ohio resident and longtime Union Local football supporter filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against the Union Local School District and Assistant Football Coach Vaughn Butler.”
“The complaint alleges that on October 25, 2024, Butler violently assaulted Mr. Gay after Mr. Gay made a mild, constitutionally protected remark criticizing the coaching staff’s preparation”.
Earlier, Gay, a resident of the Flushing Area, and the Chandra firm filed a citizen’s criminal charges request to the Belmont County Western Division Court. Judge Eric Costine dismissed the suit without a hearing.
The law firm’s press release further states, “the civil suit asserts claims for First Amendment retaliation, including liability against the school district for failing to train its staff, and multiple state-law violations, including civil liability for criminal acts (assault, interference with civil rights, falsification—false statements to government officials, and disorderly conduct); civil assault; civil battery; civil falsification; reckless hiring, retention, and supervision (against the District); and intentional infliction of emotional distress”.
Gay seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees and other relief, according to the suit.
The press release and a link to the lawsuit are posted on the law firm’s website.
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