Former Amherst College men’s lacrosse head coach Rashad Devoe has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school, per The Boston Globe.
Devoe was fired as Amherst men’s lacrosse head coach in June with two years left on his deal. After an investigation into Devoe verbally mistreating players who had broken the school’s COVID-19 rules, the coach was let go, but Devoe, who is Black, alleges the dismissal was deeper and he was collateral in Amherst’s “cozy relationship with elitism, discrimination, and racism.”
“Devoe alleges he was also wrongfully terminated for refusing to participate in a school investigation of discrimination and racial profiling against three Black student-athletes at Amherst, a men’s lacrosse player and two men’s basketball players,” Bob Hohler of The Boston Globe wrote Friday. “He says he reported the alleged discrimination but school officials declined to assure him they would protect him and the students from ‘retaliation and continued discrimination.'”
Devoe was hired in May 2020.
Last week, Amherst hired Sean Woods as its next men’s lacrosse head coach, luring him away from Colorado College.
The school remains steadfast in defending its decision to fire Devoe.
“We have reviewed the complaint filed yesterday on behalf of Mr. Rashad Devoe against Amherst College and categorically refute the allegations about the college’s decision and motives in the matter,” Sandy Genelius, Amherst’s chief communications officer, told Hohler. “Amherst highly values and actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and respect. We have a majority minority student body, an increasingly diverse faculty and staff, and a community dedicated to the work of inclusion. Our work is continual and ongoing. We are confident that a full legal review of the complaint will support our position that it is without merit.”
More details, of which there are plenty, can be found in The Boston Globe’s report of the situation.
Now for the other lacrosse news from the week of Aug. 10-16, 2021.
Last Week in Lacrosse
Six Nations Tomahawks senior lacrosse club removed itself from competition and has said it won’t play until the Ontario Lacrosse Association moves to solve years of racial incidents, specifically noting the players’ experiences during games in St. Catharines on July 24 and 25. The Tomahawks did return back to the floor this past weekend.
The Buffalo Bandits will host the NLL Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductions and the 2021 NLL Entry Draft, to be held on Aug. 27 and 28, respectively.
USA Lacrosse named Marc Riccio as its new CEO.
The 27th annual Ocean City Lacrosse Classic was played, with tons of players and teams from across the continent converging on the Maryland beach town for some oceanside lax.
Kayla Wood spoke with Chicago’s CBS affiliate about Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse and the opportunities it has already opened up.
The Ablany FireWolves have chosen not to fight with Stony Brook over their logo, explaining why the NLL team changed its imagery not long after releasing its initial branding for the relocated franchise.
North Carolina women’s lacrosse added three transfers for the 2022 season: Andie Aldave, Olivia Dirks, and Sam Geiersbach.
New Philadelphia Wings president Marc Zamarin has a strong belief that local Philly fans can and will embrace the Wings and the fast-paced energy that the sport of lacrosse brings.
Get Caught Up on LAS Content
Miss out on what we did last week? Here’s a recap of some of our top content from the last seven days.
What to Ask a College Coach
If you haven’t been through it before, it can be difficult to know what you don’t know about the lacrosse recruiting process. Ryan Kuhn gives you a look into his personal knowledge as a college lax coach on what questions you should be asking prospective coaches.
NAIA Lacrosse Offseason News Update
Jonathan Vance updates you on some of the biggest news out of NAIA men’s lacrosse so far this offseason, from coaching changes to conference realignment and more.
Utah Lacrosse, Brian Holman Part Ways: Who’s In at Utah?
With Utah men’s lacrosse searching for a new coach after the departure of Brian Holman, the Going Offsides guys discuss who could be the next in charge of the Utes.
Iowa Lacrosse: The State of the Sport
Tucker La Belle takes you through what lacrosse is like in the state of Iowa right now, from the youth level all the way up to the college and semi-pro ranks.
Dempsey Arsenault Tops Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse Leaderboard
Dempsey Arsenault was atop the Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse leaderboard after three weeks of competition. Check out all the action from Week 3 of the women’s pro lacrosse celebration.
