Jury decides in Whitworth’s favor in John Tully age discrimination lawsuit

A Spokane County jury has rejected a civil suit brought by former Whitworth coach John Tully, who had sued the school for age discrimination after the school parted ways with him following the 2013 football season.

In the suit, Tully alleged that he was “subject to numerous adverse employment actions” including “false statements by Whitworth” in the press release announcing Tully’s departure.

The school initially said Tully had resigned after a 4-6 season. In all, Tully was the winningest coach in school history after he tallied a record of 100-83 in 19 seasons.

“I think it’s a great time for me to move on,” Tully said immediately after his departure. “It’s been a great ride. It’s been enjoyable.”

But Tully filed an age discrimination lawsuit in 2015 that said he had been fired. Tully was 61 at the time.

The case went to trial earlier this month before Superior Court Judge Annette Plese, and the jury found for Whitworth.

“We are pleased but not surprised by the decision,” Whitworth president Beck Taylor said in a statement. “Whitworth is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination for all employees, and this verdict affirms our practices.”

Tully, currently the quarterbacks coach at Northwest Conference rival George Fox, did not return a message seeking comment.