Former Indiana University men’s basketball head trainer Tim Garl filed a federal lawsuit against the university’s Board of Trustees and athletic director Scott Dolson, alleging age discrimination and wrongful termination after a 44-year tenure with the program. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the lawsuit claims the university forced him out at age 68 to replace him with younger, less expensive personnel.
Lawsuit Details and Termination Context
According to court documents reported by sports.yahoo.com, Tim Garl was let go in March 2025 by athletic director Scott Dolson, who stated the athletic department was seeking a “fresh start” for the training staff under incoming coach Darian DeVries. Garl stated in the filing that he was actively discussing an offseason training and recovery plan with DeVries when he received what court documents describe as “shocking news.” Garl was given no formal explanation and was instructed to clean out his office within a week.
The lawsuit accuses Indiana University of violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Fourteenth Amendment by seeking to replace Garl with a younger, less experienced, and cheaper Head Trainer. Garl is seeking reinstatement from the Board of Trustees, along with compensatory and punitive monetary damages from athletic director Scott Dolson.
EEOC Proceedings and Performance Claims
Before filing the federal lawsuit, Garl pursued a complaint through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC issued a right-to-sue notice in July 2026 following an investigation. During those administrative proceedings, Indiana University submitted a letter outlining performance deficiencies.
According to the university’s letter to the EEOC, Garl consistently failed to properly document medical care and engaged in a heated altercation with a member of the team’s medical staff. The filing notes that Garl had been informed of these issues but was unreceptive to employer feedback.
Support from High-Profile Coaches and Former Players
To counter the university’s claims regarding his professional standing, Garl included signed letters of support in his lawsuit filing from prominent college basketball figures and former players. Former IU coach Mike Woodson stated in his submitted letter that he consistently gave Garl superior performance evaluations and that suggestions questioning Garl’s professional standing are entirely incorrect.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo also submitted a letter supporting Garl, noting that he sought Garl’s opinion over a 40-year acquaintance when handling medical issues within his own program. Seventeen former Indiana players—including James Blackmon, Luke Goode, Calbert Cheaney, Jared Jeffries, Yogi Ferrell, Cody Zeller, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Trey Galloway—signed letters backing Garl’s character and contributions to the program.
Legal Representation and Prior Disputes
Garl is represented in the federal action by attorneys from Dinsmore & Shohl, an Indianapolis-based law firm. The current litigation also involves a dispute over attorney fees stemming from an earlier lawsuit filed against the university by former players concerning former team physician Brad Bomba Sr. Although that initial player lawsuit was dismissed and is currently on appeal, Garl’s current filing asserts that the university agreed in August 2025 that Garl committed no bad acts and acted within the scope of his employment, yet the school has refused to cover all of his incurred legal fees and costs.
Related reading