Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes has his hands full. In the midst of a national search for the Beavers’ next football coach, Barnes and Oregon State University have been sued for more than $4.5 million in damages from wrongful termination.
First reported by Ryan Clark of The Oregonian, former Oregon State rowing coach Gabriel “Gabe” Winkler filed the wrongful termination lawsuit in Benton County Circuit Court last Monday, October 20th.
Winkler, who coached the Oregon State men’s rowing team from 2014-25, alleges retaliation, a lack of due process, and a breach of contract. Earlier this summer, Winkler was quietly let go without an announcement by the university, and replaced byDirector of Rowing Michael Eichler…