Former Coach at Simi Valley Sues Over Release of Documents

An attorney for former Simi Valley High basketball Coach Bob Hawking has filed suit against attorneys Jerry Roth and Robert Young and former UCLA assistant coach Jack Hirsch for allegedly leaking privileged information.

The suit, filed Tuesday in L.A Superior Court for unspecified damages, alleges that Roth, Young and Hirsch gave confidential information to The Times and the authors of the book “Raw Recruits.” In March, The Times published excerpts from handwritten notes made by Hawking stating that UCLA violated NCAA rules in the recruiting of Don MacLean. The notes indicated that UCLA Coach Jim Harrick visited MacLean’s house during a time when to do so was illegal. Hawking was MacLean’s coach at Simi Valley.

“We’re bringing this suit because Bob Hawking’s name in the college coaching ranks has been tarnished by individuals who have taken advantage of him,” said Hawking’s attorney, Gerald Sauer of the firm of Greenberg, Glusker, Fields, Claman & Machtinger.

“As stated in the complaint, Bob Hawking entrusted Roth and Young with his personal notes as they requested in their role as his attorneys. Those notes were clearly privileged and confidential.”

The suit charges Roth and Young with a malpractice action and Hirsch with a civil conspiracy claim.

However, Roth contends: “Neither Bob Young nor myself have ever represented Bob Hawking. I met with Hawking once, but before the meeting I made it clear that I could not represent him because of my relationship with (former UCLA coach) Walt Hazzard. I consciously told Hawking that there would be no privilege in anything we discussed.”