Athlete Sues

An athlete wants back on the field. The star high school athlete who was expelled from school after being convicted of sexual assault has filed a lawsuit to block the school board from keeping him off athletic teams. A lawyer for Christopher Weiner claims that the Trumbull Board of Education's action to keep Weiner out of the high school's athletic program is illegal and discriminatory and violates Weiner's constitutional rights. Weiner, 17, was on the football and wrestling teams until he was convicted in July of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The lawsuit does not directly address Weiner's expulsion from school, which was upheld in a decision Monday. In addition to an injunction preventing the board from keeping Weiner out of athletics, the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. A hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 30 on the request for a temporary injunction. Weiner's lawyer, Frederick Paoletti Jr., could not be reached for comment. Paoletti is seeking to keep Weiner in school until the lawsuit is heard. The lawsuit states that the board's decision to bar Weiner from school athletics was "arbitrary and capricious and a violation of equal protection." It claims students in similar situations have not been prevented from participating in school sports. "The plaintiff has been recognized as an outstanding athlete whose educational career will be irreparably harmed by the board's action," the lawsuit states. Weiner was convicted of third-degree sexual assault, unlawful restraint and risk of injury to a minor. He was sentenced to three years is prison, but is free on bond as he appeals his conviction. The girl told police she was assaulted by Weiner at a Bridgeport social club party on Feb. 7, 1997.