UPDATE: Penrith files suit against UNI

It appears that Brad Penrith's involvement with the University of Northern Iowa did not stop when the school released him from his position as head wrestling coach April 8. Penrith filed a suit Tuesday against UNI, claiming the school breached his contract and fraudulently induced him to sign the contract extension.

According to court documents filed in Blackhawk District Court, Penrith is suing the school for $100,000, plus attorney fees and additional costs. Actually, according to the complaint, Penrith is asking to be reinstated due to the alleged breach of contract.

A voicemail left on Penrith's cell phone and a text message have not yet been returned.

UNI athletics director Troy Dannen fired Penrith after 10 years at the helm of the program. Dannen would not address the situation but acknowledged the claim.

"I'm aware of the lawsuit but obviously there's nothing I can comment on," said Dannen, who referred all inquiries of the lawsuit to UNI's general counsel Tim McKenna.

McKenna learned of the action Wednesday morning via media reports.

"We have not been served with the court papers yet," said McKenna, later adding "It's been disclosed through the media, so we do know about it."

McKenna noted that the university doesn't typical comment about such situations. He has been in contact with Dannen.

"He believes all their actions have been appropriate," McKenna said of Dannen.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office will represent UNI in the matter, which is typical in cases involving state schools.

Penrith's contract had a stipulation had he been released from his job before April 1, 2010 that he would receive a $100,000 buyout. Penrith and Dannen met at the end of March with a second meeting set for April 7th. Dannen informed Penrith he would not be retained in the second meeting.

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