Former Texas Southern Coach Wins $700K In Federal Suit Against School

HOUSTON - Surina Dixon, former women's basketball coach at Texas Southern University, won her federal lawsuit against the school and was awarded more than $700,000 in damages.

Dixon's lawsuit concerned Title IX and Title VII claims of gender discrimination and retaliation.

Dixon was hired by TSU in March of 2008 and was fired three months later, having never coached a game at the school.

"The jury found in my client's favor today based on Surina Dixon's complaints of gender discrimination and retaliation for complaining about gender inequities and NCAA compliance issues," said Todd Slobin, Dixon's attorney, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

"The jury awarded approximately $730,000 and we'll seek interest and attorney's fees on that money."

Dixon is now teaching at a high school in Memphis, Tenn.

"I'm truly excited," Dixon said. "It's a great day for women in sports.

"It was a very emotional day for me. Wanted to be treated fairly and I'm just excited this case is finally settled."

Texas Southern may appeal.

"We regret that the verdict came in this way," TSU wrote in a statement released to FOX 26 Sports. "We have strong policies against discrimination and retaliation and we certainly did not do that in this case.

"We are considering the option of filing an appeal."

TSU officials were not available for comment.