Deli v. University of Minnesota

1. Deli v. University of Minnesota By: Tyler Cook

2. Case Facts • Katalin Deli was the head coach of the women’s gymnastics team at the University of Minnesota from 1973-1992 • In 1992, she videotaped her teams performance at the University of Florida • Later that night her husband, also the assistant coach, videotaped their sexual encounter without her knowledge • On the plane home from Florida, a gymnast asked to see the video in order to review her performance • Before Deli could get back the tape, it had been seen by several players and another assistant coach

3. Case Facts • She became under investigation after a parent alerted the administration about the tape • During the investigation, another tape is uncovered • On March 3, 1992, AD asks Deli for the Florida videotape, and made an oral promise that she would not view it • March 12, 1992- AD told the couple to send unaltered tapes of both encounters or face disciplinary action • Under guidance of University’s legal counsel, director viewed and took notes of videotapes contents • April 12, 1993, Deli was relieved of her duties as head coach

4. Issue • With Katalin Deli being videotaped without her knowledge, was there just cause for her dismissal from the University? • Were the procedures which were followed during the firing of the Deli’s fair and unprejudiced?

5. Just Cause • With Deli not knowing she was being taped, just cause came into question regarding her firing • During investigation, 3 incidents came about that proved just cause • May 1991- she is transporting a transferred student athlete, a violation of NCAA rules, when she gets in an accident. She tells the transfer athlete to lie to police • Members of the 1990-1991 team tell the AD that they went over their practice hours routinely during the season • Deli went against AD orders and did not have a trainer on site at the Olympic Academy • These 3 incidents were enough to prove just cause during the hearing

6. Was Firing Prejudiced? • Deli claimed they were prejudiced against by the AD because she failed to follow proper procedure • The Manual said that the AD must get approval from the VP of Academic Affairs when terminating a contract • The AD went to the President instead • Panel concluded that it was unlikely the VP of Academic Affairs would disagree with the President • Also, the rule had been changed in 1990 to report directly to President, it was just not reflected in the manual

7. Decision • The decision to terminate their contracts on the basis of just cause was affirmed • In Appeal, Deli would be awarded $675,000 for “emotional distress”

8. Questions???

9. Deli v. university of minnesota. (1994, 01 25). Retrieved from https://www.courtlistener.com/minnctapp/9AA7/deli-v-university-of-minnesota/