Detroit Mercy Coach Loses Lawsuit Over Affair

DETROIT (AP) — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a former assistant coach at the University of Detroit Mercy who said he was fired for revealing an affair in the athletic department.

Federal Judge Robert Cleland says the affair between athletic director Keri Gaither and assistant basketball coach Derek Thomas may have created an "unprofessional and unpleasant environment." But he says it doesn't lead to a cause of action in court.

The lawsuit was filed by Carlos Briggs, another assistant basketball coach. He says he was retaliated against and was subjected to a hostile work environment after reporting the affair.

University of Detroit Mercy denies any retaliation and says Briggs was dismissed for other reasons. Gaither and Thomas quit in 2012.

Briggs will appeal the judge's decision, which was released Tuesday.

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