Martin Denied Salary Claim Against Northridge, Agent Says

Cal State Northridge refuses to pay former Matador women’s basketball Coach Janet Martin four months’ salary she claims is owed her by the university, Martin’s representative from the California Faculty Assn. said Tuesday.

In a written response to a contract grievance filed by Martin, Northridge on Monday declined to pay its former coach the disputed money because the school says there is no basis for the grievance, said Rick Nadeau, Martin’s representative from the CFA.

“Northridge is sort of playing hardball,” Nadeau said. “The university says (Martin’s contention) isn’t valid because she resigned her position. I am arguing that the conditions under which she resigned were problematic.”

Martin has 21 days to appeal CSUN’s decision to the chancellor’s office of the Cal State University system in Long Beach.

Martin, who compiled a 10-26 record at Northridge, resigned Dec. 12, 1991, after her team began the season 0-9. One day after Northridge announced the resignation, Martin said she was forced to quit by Athletic Director Bob Hiegert and associate athletic director Judy Brame. Hiegert and Brame have denied the charge.

According to the terms of her resignation, Martin was paid through the end of the 1991-92 basketball season in February. The grievance seeks salary through June.

Nadeau said Martin’s grievance contends the coach signed the paperwork under duress. Martin’s original contract for the ‘91-92 school year was a 12-month deal ending July 1, 1992, Nadeau said.

Martin’s salary at Northridge was $4,072 per month, according to the CSUN athletic business manager.