Fired OU coach wants records on dismissal

PONTIAC (AP) -- Former Oakland University women's basketball coach Beckie Francis is suing the Detroit-area school, claiming she still doesn't know why she was fired in June. Francis says she's received only a heavily redacted report and is "left to theorize" what caused her dismissal. The Detroit Free Press says the lawsuit was filed last Friday in Oakland County. Francis was fired after 13 seasons on the same day her husband, Gary Russi, announced his retirement as Oakland president. Former players have said Francis was fixated on their weight and pushed her Christian beliefs on them. Oakland says it has provided Francis with "substantial documentation" but also must protect the privacy rights of students. The Free Press reported in July that seven players quit the Oakland team the last two seasons. Published: Tue, Nov 5, 2013