Reggie Barlow, who was let go by Alabama State after the 2014 season, has filed a lawsuit against the school claiming that he was wrongfully terminated.
WSFA-TV in Montgomery reported Wednesday that Barlow alleged Alabama State committed a breach of contract, fraud, wrongful termination and negligent employment supervision.
During the season, Barlow learned that athletic director Melvin Hines asked him to step down either immediately or at the end of the regular season, though he signed a three-year contract that was supposed to run through the 2017 season.
“I had no idea it wasn’t a real contract in there until Melvin Hines called me in and asked me to resign,” Barlow said. “That’s when he explained to me the board wouldn’t approve it.”
Barlow compiled a 49-42 record in eight seasons as head coach, leading the Hornets to the 2010 SWAC Eastern Division title. The Hornets posted a 7-5 record in 2014. He was replaced by former Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins.
“The worst part about all this, the president I sat with looked me in my eye and told me this was going to be done. She said it was wrong that they hadn’t given you a raise and haven’t given you a contract,” Barlow said. “I haven’t received one phone call or conversation from her.”
