SoCalHoops College News

Former Ventura College Coach
Hefferman Settles Litigation--(Aug. 11, 1999)

Many of our readers will recall that we followed the sad tale of the Ventura College men's basketball program, and it's eventual demise two years ago. Now that the program is about to be revived with a new coach, Greg Winslow ( formerly head coach at San Bernardino Valley College), the last chapter in the unfortunate tale of recruiting violations, terminations, transfers and litigation is about to come to a close with the settlement of the last piece of litigation involving the College and a former coach.  

Ventura College announced last Wednesday that former Pirates basketball coach Glen Hefferman has agreed to settle his lawsuit against the community college district.  Hefferman had alleged in his suit that college officials deceived him when he was hired by failing to tell him that the team was under investigation by Community College Athletic officials for what were then-alleged, but later substantiated recruiting violations committed by a prior Ventura coach. Ventura County Community College District officials filed a cross-complaint against Hefferman, alleging breach of contract, which was also settled.  Hefferman contended that the college had falsely induced him to give up another coaching position without revealing the investigation, and then when Hefferman quit and refused to work, the college cross-complained for breach of contract.   "Both sides have amicably agreed to settlement terms and are pleased to have this behind them," the district said in a press release.  The three-sentence statement was the only comment the district would make on the issue. All terms of the agreement, including any payments made, are confidential.  Hefferman, who was reached by reporters for the Los Angeles Times,  said he was "thrilled" about the settlement. He did not comment any further.

Hefferman is a Chicago native who recently became head basketball coach at Malcolm X Community College in Chicago. In 1997, Hefferman gave up a coaching position at Columbia College in Sonora and came to Ventura.  Hefferman had contended in the suit that he was not told when he was hired that the program was facing severe sanctions and prohibition from postseason play for violating state athletic rules, including providing players with money and free meals.  Two months after he began teaching at Ventura, the Western State Conference hit Ventura with heavy sanctions and a two-year probation.  He left the college after sanctions were imposed. 

According to published reports in the LA Times, the settlement is second time Ventura College has settled with a former basketball coach in the last two years. In December 1997, the district agreed to pay Virgil Watson $70,000 after the former coach protested his firing.

©Copyright 1997-1999 All rights reserved
Questions? Comments? Need Information?
E-mail: jegesq@socalhoops.com