A former rowing coach for Oregon State is seeking more than $4.5 million in damages from the university and its athletic director, Scott Barnes, in a lawsuit filed Oct. 20 in Benton County Circuit Court.

Gabriel Winkler, who coached the OSU men’s rowing team for 11 years, claims he was wrongfully terminated from his position in August. Allegations include retaliation, a lack of due process, and breach of contract.

According to a copy of the civil complaint obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Winkler claims Barnes terminated his contract amid overall restructuring in the athletic department and alleged mishandling of inappropriate conduct from a male rower towards two of his female teammates.

OSU, according to the complaint, claims Winkler fostered a “bro-culture” on the team and fai

See Full Page