Supreme Court Justice Rejects Stanley’s Latest USC Request

WASHINGTON —  A Supreme Court justice Wednesday refused to order USC to reinstate its former women’s basketball coach while she pursues a sex-bias lawsuit over being paid less than the men’s coach.

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor turned down an emergency request by Marianne Stanley, who did not renew her $96,000-a-year contract after four years with the Trojans.

Stanley sued USC and Athletic Director Mike Garrett for $8 million, alleging discrimination and retaliation in contract negotiations.

As part of her lawsuit, Stanley, who has been replaced by Cheryl Miller, demanded equal pay with George Raveling, the USC men’s basketball coach, who reportedly is paid $150,000 a year.

U.S. District Judge John G. Davies last August rejected Stanley’s bid to force the university to reinstate her as coach, ruling that she failed to show any evidence of sex discrimination. Davies added that the men’s and women’s coaches perform different duties.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Davies’ ruling in January.

Stanley also unsuccessfully sought emergency help from O’Connor in September, when her case was pending before the 9th Circuit court.