A former South Salem (Ore.) High School student filed a lawsuit alleging a former girl’s basketball coach groomed and abused her for years, and that Salem-Keizer Public Schools failed to stop it.
According to Fox 12, the lawsuit claims former varsity girl’s assistant basketball coach Gregory Eide groomed, manipulated and sexually abused the student starting when she was 15 years old.
The lawsuit claims Eide kissed and touched her inappropriately, made her touch him over his clothes and bought her inappropriate gifts.
The lawsuit also claims the school district was negligent by choosing not to monitor his activity with students and not intervening to protect her.
In a statement, the Salem-Keizer School District said it did not become aware of the allegations related to Eide’s actions during the 2007-2010 time period until early 2026. Eide served as a South Salem High School volunteer basketball coach during that time period.
“Upon investigation, there is no information indicating district employees were aware of Mr. Eide’s alleged conduct,” the district said. “The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. Our school district continues to evaluate and strengthen its training for staff, volunteers and students related to the prevention and reporting of child abuse in support of student safety.”
The lawsuit is asking for more than $3 million in damages.
