Texas Southern To Appeal $730K Awarded To Former Coach

HOUSTON - Texas Southern University appealed the verdict won by former TSU women's basketball coach Surina Dixon against the school in federal court last month.

"Texas Southern University is formally appealing the case," said Eva Pickens, TSU director of communications, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

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

She was awarded $730,000 with her lawyers planning to seek interest and attorney's fees.

"We remain confident in the jury's verdict and the judge's denial of TSU's request for a new trial," said Todd Slobin, Dixon's attorney.

"We believe that justice, even if delayed, will prevail."

Slobin told FOX 26 TSU filed a motion for a new trial on Monday and Judge David Hittner denied the motion on Wednesday.

TSU then filed its appeal of the verdict that went against the school.

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