Troubled Hoopster Sues Oklahoma State

OKLAHOMA CITY (CN) - Former Oklahoma State University basketball player Stevie Clark sued his school, claiming he was forced to take psychotropic drugs against his will after complaining about hazing by teammates.

Clark sued the Stillwater-based school, its board of regents and head coach Travis Ford on Wednesday in Oklahoma County Court.

Clark was released from the team halfway through his freshman year after being arrested twice. He was arrested in January 2014 and charged with possession of marijuana: He allegedly rolled a joint for other passengers in a car to smoke. He was arrested again a month later after a police officer claimed he urinated out the window of a moving car.

A highly touted recruit, Clark said he became frustrated in November 2013 when he came to believe that "Ford had no intention of keeping his promises" to him.

"Various promises were made with regard to playing time and ensuring that Stevie made it to the next level," the complaint states. "Travis Ford even promised Stevie a Camaro."

Clark claims that when he expressed his frustration, Ford had him put on psychotropic drugs without his consent. The 6-page lawsuit does not identify the drugs.

"Coach Ford required Stevie to take the meds if he wanted to keep practicing with the team," the complaint states. "Stevie began to experience side effects from the medication almost immediately, manifesting in suicidal and homicidal thoughts as well as erratic behavior."

Clark claims that in November 2013 he was "scapegoated for his starting teammates" when marijuana was found in his room. He was suspended for four games, missing a trip to Orlando for the Old Spice Classic.

He claims that since it dropped him from the team, Oklahoma State has refused to release him so he can join another Division I school.

"The actions of defendants damaged plaintiff's reputation irreparably, damning any possibility Stevie ever had of playing in the National Basketball Association," the complaint states. "Additionally, defendants refused to release Stevie from OSU, thereby torpedoing any opportunity Stevie had to rehabilitate himself at a Division I school. Defendants derailed Stevie's opportunity to make a living playing professional basketball."

Clark transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, after his dismissal. He left that team in October 2014.

Oklahoma State officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening.

Clark seeks actual and punitive damages for violation of due process, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence.

He is represented by Kenyatta Bethea with Holloway Bethea in Oklahoma City.

Follow @davejourno

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