UW A.D. Supports Staff In Lifting Of Scholarship

Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges says the Huskies’ coaches and staff acted appropriately in the case of a former football player who is suing the school and coach Jim Lambright over the loss of his scholarship.

“There’s no question in my mind that we did,” Hedges said.

In a lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court this week, Chad Wright, 21, accuses the university and Lambright of negligence, intentional misrepresentation and breach of contract because financial aid was stopped after he injured his back during weight training.

Wright’s scholarship was not renewed for the 1996-97 school year.

At the time, Hedges said, Wright was informed of his right to appeal.

“He did not question the decision of the committee at the time.”

Frank Wright, Chad’s father, said, “He’s never been notified …”

Wright’s scholarship wasn’t renewed because he failed to do required work in a program designed to help defray the costs of his schooling, Hedges said. His father said Wright was too tired to complete the 20 hours of work per week.