BREAKING: RICH ROD, WIFE DISMISSED FROM FEDERAL LAWSUIT…

BREAKING: RICH ROD, WIFE DISMISSED FROM FEDERAL LAWSUIT…

 

In a significant legal development, former University of Arizona football coach Rich Rodriguez and his wife, Rita Rodriguez, have been officially dismissed from a federal lawsuit that had previously implicated the couple in a high-profile workplace misconduct case. The dismissal, issued by a U.S. District Court judge on Monday, marks a major step forward for Rodriguez, who has maintained his innocence since the allegations first surfaced.

The lawsuit, initially filed in 2018 by Melissa Wilhelmsen, a former administrative assistant within the University of Arizona football program, accused Rodriguez of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in inappropriate conduct during his tenure as head coach. Wilhelmsen also named Rita Rodriguez in her civil complaint, alleging that she participated in a campaign of intimidation against her following the filing of the complaint.

According to court documents, the federal judge found insufficient evidence linking either Rich or Rita Rodriguez to the specific acts of harassment and retaliation alleged in the lawsuit. The judge noted that while the plaintiff described an atmosphere of discomfort and fear, the legal standards required to sustain federal claims of harassment and conspiracy were not met.

“After careful consideration of the evidence presented, the Court concludes that the claims against Richard and Rita Rodriguez do not rise to the level required under federal law,” the ruling stated. “Accordingly, both are hereby dismissed as defendants in this matter.”

Rich Rodriguez, who coached the Arizona Wildcats from 2012 to 2017, was fired in early 2018 after an internal investigation into misconduct allegations. Although the university found no conclusive evidence to support the most serious claims, Rodriguez acknowledged an extramarital affair and admitted to personal failings. Nonetheless, he consistently denied any wrongdoing in the workplace.

Rodriguez’s legal team welcomed the dismissal as a long-overdue vindication. “Coach Rodriguez has always maintained that he did nothing wrong and that the allegations against him and his wife were completely unfounded,” said attorney Craig Morgan in a statement. “We are pleased the court has recognized the lack of merit in these claims.”

Wilhelmsen’s attorney expressed disappointment with the ruling but stated that they were evaluating options for a possible appeal or the continuation of the case against remaining defendants.

Rodriguez, who has since returned to coaching at the collegiate level—most recently serving as head coach at Jacksonville State University—has kept a relatively low profile regarding the lawsuit. In a brief statement on social media, he thanked his supporters and said, “The truth has always mattered to me. I’m grateful this part of the journey is behind us.”

The dismissal of Rich and Rita Rodriguez from the federal lawsuit narrows the scope of the ongoing legal battle and removes two of its most prominent figures. While the broader issues surrounding workplace conduct in collegiate athletics remain in the spotlight, this decision provides a measure of closure for the Rodriguez family after years of legal and public scrutiny.