Judge orders former LSU administrator pay Les Miles $200,000 after lawsuit
A judge has ordered former LSU administrator Sharon Lewis to pay former coach Les Miles $200,000 after she filed lawsuits in federal and state courts, according to Front Office Sports’ A.J. Perez. In addition, Lewis owed Miles $25,000 in punitive damages.
Lewis filed a lawsuit against Miles and LSU in April 2021, accusing the former Tigers head coach and other university officials of gender discrimination and a hostile work environment. She also alleged her pay suffered after she reported Title IX violations, The Advertiser reported in October 2023. Over the last three or so years, Lewis filed three lawsuits, and Perez said multiple claims were thrown out in litigation.
Miles released a statement on the decision, as well, calling Lewis’ claims a “fiction novel.”
“Many of my fondest memories are from my time at LSU,” Miles said. “Every day as a Tiger was an honor. I lead [sic] a group of young men who shared my passion for football and people. We pursued excellence through integrity. Our program was, and is, special. I am proud of how I led the LSU Football Program. I championed each player, coach and support staff member as an integral part of our team. I respected, valued and advocated for our team.
“The fiction novel Sharon Lewis authored is an attempt at corrupt financial gain ended today. I was awarded $200,000 against Lewis and attorney, Larry English. The ruling provides clarity about Lewis’ persistent misrepresentation of the man I am. Justice is victory for all of us — a powerful reminder that truth vindicates.”
Lewis had previously filed a $50 million federal lawsuit against LSU after reporting allegations against Miles. On Jan. 5, 2022, Lewis was terminated from her position with LSU — an act her lawyers said was a violation of multiple laws that protect her job after reporting the Title IX violations.
Lewis and her legal team alleged that her firing is a violation of Louisiana whistleblower laws, Title IX protections and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They added the allegations of retaliation to their existing lawsuit, and her retaliation claim said she was denied raises as a specific result of her reporting of Miles.
Les Miles served as LSU’s head coach from 2005-16, amassing an official 77-34 record during that time. However, the NCAA vacated 37 wins over the summer — which means Miles is no longer eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame.