Bravo to those who stand up for Free Speech
Kirsten Hening, former Virginia Tech soccer player who accused her coach of benching her because of her political opinions will reportedly receive at least $100,000 as part of an agreement to dismiss a federal lawsuit.
Hening refused to kneel during a reading of a unity statement before a game against UVA on Sept. 12, 2020. She said her coach verbally attacked her at halftime, claiming she was bitching and moaning while putting his finger in her face.
Hening explained in her lawsuit that while she supports social justice and believes that black lives matter, she does not support BLM the organization, citing its tactics and core tenets of its mission statement, including defunding the police.
The coach continued to berate Hening until he benched her and ultimately made things so intolerable that she felt she had no choice but to quit the team, according to the suit.
On Dec. 2, federal Judge Thomas Cullen denied a motion by the coach to dismiss the lawsuit, noting that Hening time on the field dropped off following the kneeling incident.
The three-day trial slated to start later this month was canceled last Tuesday in a court filing that noted the case had been settled.
On Jan. 4, the Coach released a statement on Twitter, saying in part, I am pleased the case against me has been closed and I am free to move forward clear of any wrong doing.It is unfortunate, but this ordeal was about a disappointment and disagreement about playing time. Today, we have clarity that this case lacked any standing, and without evidence, the truth has prevailed," said the Coach , ( who made no mention of the settlement.)
Hening Attorney Adam Mortara tweeted in reply to the coach statement: If by clarity you mean you are paying my client six figures in a settlement then you then you mean you are paying my client six figures then you are right p, that it is pretty clear.
Honestly, Coach, read the Court opinion.
You are paying.
Defendants do not pay in cases that have no standing.
As always,
TIME WOUNDS ALL HEELS!