PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A former Oregon State University rowing coach is suing the school and its athletic director, alleging he was unlawfully terminated amid harassment claims made against him within the team, according to court documents.

The lawsuit, which was first reported by The Oregonian, was filed October 20 in Benton County against OSU and OSU's athletic director Scott Barnes -- seeking $4.5 million for the alleged wrongful termination.

The suit was filed by Gabriel Winkler, who served as the head coach of the men's rowing team for 11 years until his termination on August 12. During that time, he claims he never received formal complaints, was not the subject of investigations and had not heard any concerns about the team's culture until the termination, court documents state.

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