COLUMBUS, Ohio ― A second lawsuit by Ohio State University’s fired marching band director is being affected by his financial troubles.
Jonathan Waters’ lawyers asked the Ohio Court of Claims on Jan. 7 to withdraw from representing him in a defamation lawsuit against the school.
The same lawyers asked a day earlier to withdraw from Waters’ federal case, citing his inability to pay.
The university fired Waters in July 2014 after an internal investigation found he ignored a “sexualized culture” inside the celebrated band. He has refuted the allegations.
Waters’ federal suit seeks reinstatement and $1 million in damages on grounds Ohio State engaged in gender discrimination. A federal judge will hear his lawyers’ motion to withdraw Tuesday.
The Court of Claims hasn’t yet set a date to consider their request.
