UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has filed a motion seeking to dismiss the employee discrimination lawsuit brought against him and USA Basketball by a security official.
Kelly Hardwick filed the lawsuit in June, alleging that she was being kept off the security detail at the London Olympics after spurning sexual advances from Auriemma on a trip to Russia in 2009. Auriemma, who has denied the allegations, was head coach of the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team in London.
Auriemma's attorney, Barry Levy, argues in a brief filed Monday, the lawsuit has no merit because Hardwick ended up being assigned to the USA basketball teams and worked at the Olympics.
He also argues that the court does not have jurisdiction over Auriemma, a Connecticut resident.
Hardwick's lawyer, Randolph McLaughlin, said he was not surprised by the filing and he believes the case has merit.
"I think the complaint we filed provides sufficient factual detail to suggest to the court there is indeed a basis for Ms. Hardwick's complaint against both Mr. Auriemma and USA Basketball, and we believe a judge hearing this matter will agree with us," McLaughlin said.
