Virginia Tech Coach Sued By Former Player Who Refused To Kneel

BLACKSBURG, VA — A former Virginia Tech women's soccer player has filed a federal lawsuit against the team's coach, claiming he abused and retaliated against her after she refused to join the rest of the team in kneeling before games.

The federal lawsuit, filed by former player Kiersten Hening, named coach Charles "Chugger" Adair as the defendant, according to a report by The Roanoke Times. The lawsuit claims Adair's abuse grew so bad she was forced to resign from the team.

The 2019 season marked Adair's 14th season at Virginia Tech and his ninth year as the Hokies' head coach, according to the university's website. In that time, he became the program's winningest coach, leading the team to more than 100 wins.

In addition to coaching, Adair played professionally with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also spent time playing for the San Diego Sockers, Wichita Wings, Portland Timbers, San Diego Flash, Minnesota Thunder, Seattle Sounders, Milwaukee Wave, and Carolina Dynamo.

Hening is a graduate of James River High School in Midlothian. She first joined the Hokies in January 2018, and was one of five Hokies to spend 80 percent of the team's total playing time on field.

Hening is asking a judge to order Adair to “undergo First Amendment training." It also seeks to have Hening reinstated to the team, and also seeks unspecified monetary awards for damages and costs associated with the case.

Virginia Tech was not named in the lawsuit