Father Sues Catholic High School Over Argument
Editor's note: This story includes vulgar language.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A Minnesota father is suing a Catholic high school over what he recorded a teacher saying at their sons' basketball game.
"I was just absolutely floored," Greg Marshall said. "I couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth."
Marshall said the confrontation happened months ago at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria.
He said he believes the teacher and coach went too far and that what's on his phone proves it.
A Christian education has been cornerstone to the lives of both of Greg Marshall's boys.
"We've had our kids in Christian schools their whole lives," Marshall said.
It's why he didn't expect his experience with Holy Family to have the drama it did.
That drama dates back to February, when Marshall heard Dave Hopkins' son was put into a basketball game before his own. Hopkins is Holy Family's football coach and a teacher at the high school. Hopkins' son quit the basketball season early on before rejoining the team.
After that game, Marshall questioned the coach and parents in a text message.
"I don't understand how someone who quit the team and was brought back would be put in before someone else who was completely committed to the program," Marshall said.
Marshall said Hopkins didn't take that text well and according to court papers tracked Marshall down in the stands during the next game.
Marshall recorded the rant on his phone before it was over.
"Go f--- yourself," Hopkins says in the recording. "Your son's a f---ing pussy."
Marshall is now suing the school and Hopkins for a $50,000 breach of contract and defamation.
"I was just absolutely floored," Marshall said. "I couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth. ... It was extremely embarrassing."
Marshall said the school told him he wasn't allowed back at any more games or his son's basketball banquet.
"I don't want this to happen again," Marshall said. "It's not fair. It's not right."
Holy Family suspended Hopkins for a week without pay after the incident.
The president of the school said Holy Family is disappointed in the Marshalls for filing the lawsuit but couldn't say more.
Hopkins' attorney told WCCO that Marshall's claims are meritless and that Hopkins has been a respected teacher and coach at Holy Family for 14 years.
