Report: South Carolina coach Staley sues Mizzou AD for defamation, slander

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley filed a civil lawsuit against Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk on Thursday, claiming defamation and slander in the South Carolina court of common pleas.

The Kansas City Star first reported the story, citing court records.

Staley’s pursuit of a claim comes on the heels of comments made by Sterk during radio interviews conducted following Missouri’s 64-54 loss on Jan. 28 at South Carolina. The physical game include a brief skirmish. Missouri beat then-No. 4 South Carolina at Columbia, Mo., earlier in the season.

The lawsuit alleges that Sterk told KTGR radio he heard fans use racial slurs to Missouri players.

He said South Carolina fans spat on Missouri players and he thought Staley “promoted that kind of atmosphere, and it’s unfortunate that she felt she had to do that.”

Staley described the accusations as “serious and false.”

Missouri coach Robin Pingeton came onto the floor to restrain standout Sophie Cunningham during the fracas.

–Field Level Media