Ex-MA Wrestling coach sues over firing

RAYNHAM, Mass. (AP) - A successful Massachusetts high school wrestling coach fired last year following a hazing incident on his team has filed suit claiming he was wrongfully terminated.

The Enterprise reports that former Bridgewater-Raynham High coach Jeff Francis sued the school district earlier this month, alleging breach of contract and "negligent inflection of emotional distress."

Francis lost his job in January after 33 years and four wrestlers were suspended for eight days after school officials learned that older members of the team struck under-performing teammates with belts and brooms.

Bridgewater police investigated, but didn't find enough evidence to file charges.

School Committee member Pat Riley has said that Francis was fired because he did not report the incident in time. Francis said he reported it as soon as he heard about it.