Tim Garl, a fixture of Indiana University’s basketball program for nearly half a century, filed a lawsuit in March 2025 alleging wrongful termination and age discrimination after being fired on March 31 of that year. The complaint names the university and its Athletic Director, Scott Dolson, as defendants and claims that Dolson told Garl the school wanted a “fresh start” for his position, despite earlier discussions about his continued role on staff.
The lawsuit and its legal backdrop
Garl’s long tenure began in 1981 under legendary coach Bob Knight and continued through the eras of Darian DeVries and other successors. During his career he became entangled in a separate legal matter involving former team physician Brad Bomba Sr., who faced allegations of sexual misconduct. The amended complaint asserts that Garl assigned players to Bomba knowing of his abusive practices, including invasive rectal exams, and that the university failed to protect him from these accusations.
The suit further alleges that Indiana University neglected to defend and indemnify Garl in the related case, which was originally filed by former players in January 2025. According to the complaint, the university also fell short in paying Garl’s reasonable attorneys’ fees as required by law. A federal judge dismissed the original claim in March 2026 on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired, but the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago.
The appellate process has returned the matter to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, where the broader allegations of systemic misconduct at the university will be examined. The case underscores a broader conversation about accountability within collegiate athletic programs and the treatment of long‑standing staff members who become embroiled in scandals beyond their direct control.