Ex-USC RB, AD Mike Garrett faces sexual harassment lawsuit

Former USC AD and Heisman trophy winner Mike Garrett is accused of sexual harassment at Cal State Los Angeles.

Former USC athletics director and 1965 Heisman Trophy winner Mike Garrett is accused of sexually harassing multiple female employees during his stint as AD at Cal State Los Angeles, according to several media outlets.

A lawsuit was filed by Dr. Sheila Hudson, a senior associate athletic director at the school.

The complaint says that Garrett called women who worked in the athletics department names, such "Sweetheart," "Love," "Babe" and referred to one woman specifically as "Legs."

The lawsuit also says that Garrett told a student assistant, "I could kiss you," and added that Garrett was "essentially computer illiterate" and unfit to serve as AD.

Hudson said in the lawsuit that when she went to Garrett to complain about treatment of employees, he would yell at her. 

"He yelled, amongst other things, that he has always called women these names—including at USC—and they have never complained," the lawsuit said. "Feeling intimidated by this attack, [Hudson] returned to her office, only to have Garrett chase after her, storm into her office, close the door and continue to berate her."

"This malicious complaint is a reckless compilation of exaggerations and fabrications. It is without substance and will be repudiated by facts. Women hold most of Cal State L.A.’s top leadership positions," said law firm Ogletree Deakins, which is representing Cal State Los Angeles.

Garrett was athletic director at USC from 1993 to 2010 and served as AD at Cal State Los Angeles until June. 

- Scooby Axson