Judge dismisses Watras’ suit against UMS

A judge has absolved the University of Maine System of responsibility for alleged sexual assault by a former basketball coach against one of his players.

Victoria Watras filed the action in January against Peter Gavett, whom she said pressured her into a sexual relationship, and the institution, which she accused of negligent hiring and supervision.

The university system argued at a hearing earlier this month that it should be released as a defendant in the suit on technical grounds because Watras was too late in notifying the institution of her intention to sue.

Justice Eugene Beaulieu issued the ruling in Penobscot County Superior Court.

“The university is gratified that Judge Beaulieu dismissed the suit,” said the university’s lawyer, George Singal. The institution, he said, “at all times attempted to deal fairly with Miss Watras.”

Watras’ lawyer, Marshall Stern, could not immediately be reached for comment Monday evening. But at a hearing on March 23, he told Beaulieu that to dismiss the university system as a defendant before the judge saw the institution’s file would be “rushing to judgment.”

The ruling does not affect Watras’ lawsuit against Gavett. He has asked in court papers that the suit against him be dismissed as well, alleging that Watras failed to file it within the statute of limitations.

Gavett resigned his post unexpectedly in June 1988, shortly after signing a three-year contract. His move went unexplained until a court ruling made public an agreement between him and the university over allegations that he had had “physical contact of a personal nature” with an unidentified student.

Watras left the basketball team in the middle of the 1987-88 season. She returned the next fall, only to quit for good six games into the 1988-89 season.