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Fired Ohio State Band Director's Lawyers Ask Out Of 2nd Case

Jonathan Waters
Nick Houser
/
WOSU

A second lawsuit by Ohio State University's fired marching band director is being affected by his financial troubles.

Jonathan Waters' lawyers asked the Ohio Court of Claims on Jan. 7 to withdraw from representing him in a defamation lawsuit against the school.

The same lawyers asked a day earlier to withdraw from Waters' federal case, citing his inability to pay.

The university fired Waters in July 2014 after an internal investigation found he ignored a "sexualized culture" inside the celebrated band. He has refuted the allegations.

Waters' federal suit seeks reinstatement and $1 million in damages on grounds Ohio State engaged in gender discrimination. A federal judge will hear his lawyers' motion to withdraw Tuesday.

The Court of Claims hasn't yet set a date to consider their request.

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