Fernley coach suing school district

Fernley football coach Mark Hodges is suing the Lyon County School District for defamation of character.

The Sierra Nevada Sports Media Group received a copy of the complaint for damages on Thursday.

Hodges will file his complaint in Third Judicial District Court in Yerington, said his Reno attorney, Kenneth J. McKenna.

As of Thursday afternoon, district court had not received the paperwork.

In his lawsuit, Hodges claims the school district supplied information to a Reno television station, KRNV, stating the Fernley football coach's contract would not be extended because of a Fernley player's hoax about being recruited by a major university and fiscal irresponsibility.

"His contention is that school board leaked out information," McKenna said. "It was a way to deflect their responsibility," McKenna said. "There is no blame with Channel 4 because they received information from the authorities."

School district personnel would not comment on the pending lawsuit.

McKenna said he hoped the school district would not discuss Hodge's coaching at its Feb. 19 meeting. However, according to the school district, the special meeting will center on the hiring of legal counsel. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 26.

For the complete story, pick up Friday's Nevada Appeal or check back online.