Eric Pogue, the former soccer coach at Oakland Univerity in Rochester, Mich., is suing the school, alleging OU unlawfully fired him for having "debilitating" depression, forbade him from speaking about mental health issues with athletes, and subjected him to a sexist environment that stigmatizes men battling psychological problems — especially men who work in the world of sports.
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Pogue says he tried to be open about his struggle, but that the university sought to silence him.
“We have found that there is a stigma in men’s athletic programs regarding mental challenges," Pogue's lawyer, Shereef Akeel, told the Free Press on Monday. "Schools have to do a better job in meeting these challenges."
According to Tresa Baldas of the Free Press, the university announced Pogue's departure in a brief statement in February without offering any details, saying only: "Effective immediately, head men's soccer coach Eric Pogue will no longer lead the men's soccer program." Athletic director Steve Waterfield added this comment: "I want thank Coach Pogue for his years of service to the men's soccer program and to the university. I wish him the very best as he moves forward."
Pogue alleges in a federal lawsuit filed late Monday in U.S. District court that Oakland University tried to force him out because he was struggling mentally, and ultimately let him go in February, despite being one of the winningest coaches in the university's history. According to Baldas, in his 15 seasons as head coach, he won won three Summit League Championships, four Horizon League Championships, and his teams made four NCAA tournament appearances. He was also named Coach of the Year six times in the Horizon League, including the year before he was fired, "when he was dealing with the debilitating disability of depression."
Pogue's lawsuit maintains he wasn't involved in any scandal or facing a losing record — the typical causes behind coach terminations — but rather battled psychological wounds that the university wanted kept quiet. He believes his mental health struggles cost him his job, Baldas reported.
"Because of Coach Pogue’s disability, and his efforts to speak out about the challenges of mental illness — which had a significant stigma, especially in male athletics — (Oakland University) terminated his contract as the Head Coach of OUMS," the lawsuit states.
Under Pogue's contract with OU, he was to be head coach until Dec. 31, 2025. Pogue said he had every intention of remaining head coach until he reached the age of retirement.
In December 2021, his mother, who had been under Pogue's care, died. That is said to have been what sent him into a deep state of depression.
"Her loss had a tremendous impact on Coach Pogue, and he was later diagnosed with depression and anxiety," the lawsuit states.
But he did not compromise his coaching, and he did not keep his mental health battles a secret, Baldas reported.
Her Free Press report continued:
After his diagnosis, Pogue advised Oakland University about his mental health struggles andoffered suggestions to cope with his battle.
But the university "showed little interest in providing any support," and instead began to treat him differently, the suit states.
Moreover, it alleges, the university tried to silence him when he sought to bring awareness and combat the stigma surrounding men seeking mental health treatment, especially in athletics.
"When the opportunity came to address OU athletes, Coach Pogue wanted to speak about mental health issues," the lawsuit states, but added the university "did not allow him to speak on it."
"What’s more, despite Coach Pogue’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job, and (the university's) knowledge of his illness, (it) failed to engage in any interactive dialogue to reasonably accommodate Coach Pogue’s disability," the lawsuit states. "Instead, (it) not only began placing more work restrictions —including those that other employees were not required to follow — but also began pressuring Coach Pogue to resign."
According to the lawsuit, the athletic director "even told Coach Pogue to 'do what's best for the athletes and resign.' "
Pogue did not budge.
By the spring of 2023, Coach Pogue was at his lowest. His depression had worsened. The university knew that one option for Pogue was to take a leave, the suit states, but it failed to advise him of this option.
It was only after he sought medical treatment that he learned he could take leave to address his depression.
So, he advised the university of his intention to take a leave of absence. His employer asked for a written statement, so he gave one, citing his depression and anxiety, and consented to the university disclosing his statement, which read:
Pogue disagrees, noting he wanted his story to be told.
But the university did not disclose it, stating only: "Oakland University Athletics has announced men's soccer Head Coach Eric Pogue is on a leave of absence for health-related reasons. Associate Coach Paul Doroh will serve as acting head coach until Pogue's return."
"After thoughtful contemplation, prayer and careful consideration, I have come to the challenging decision of taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Oakland men's soccer program. This choice is driven by my commitment to prioritize my mental health and overall well-being, and I feel it is necessary to focus my attention completely on these aspects."
It went on to say:
"Presently, I find myself grappling with severe anxiety, depression, and panic ... I am actively undergoing treatment as part of my healing journey, and I am hopeful."
He also encouraged others facing mental health struggles to seek help, stressing: "You are not alone."
But the university rejected Pogue's draft statement, "using the excuse that it was an alleged HIPAA violation."
