Mount Pleasant, MI
March 27, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Salvatore 734-663-7550

Central Michigan University this week paid a total $450,000 to settle sex harassment claims and avoid potential lawsuits by two former players on the women's soccer team. The two former players were represented by Nacht & Associates Partner Jennifer Salvatore. The players came forward late last year with allegations that the team's male coach had used his position to pursue inappropriate sexual relationships with the players.

Under the terms of the settlement announced this week, each of the players is set to receive $225,000 to settle all claims against the University and their former coach. The CMU coach, Anthony DiTucci, resigned in October of last year after the players came forward.

The two players alleged that the soccer coach carried on secret inappropriate sexual relationships with them while he was their coach. They also claimed that Mr. DiTucci sent players inappropriate text messages, lied to and manipulated players to avoid getting caught, and even lied to CMU administration when his conduct was first questioned.

Asked to comment on the settlement, Salvatore said that the experience has been extremely difficult for her young clients. "Coaches are in a position of authority and power," said Ms. Salvatore. "My clients were harmed by their coach. I'm proud of them for having the courage to come forward and tell what happened. They want to make sure it never happens again." Ms.

Salvatore also praised CMU's response to the situation, noting that the University took her clients' complaints seriously and responded appropriately.

* Salvatore is a partner at Nacht & Associates, P.C. Her primary focus is on sex harassment and gender equity litigation. *