NJ Dad Sues School Over Son's Alleged Treatment On Track Team

SOMERDALE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New Jersey man is suing a high school over claims his son was mistreated while on the school's track team.

Ervin Mears Jr. said in the suit filed this month that his son Mawusimensah was subjected to bullying and harassment while on the Sterling High School team.

Mears said his son was a championship runner as an eighth grader but had disagreements with his coach when he arrived at the Camden County school over what events he would run.

"He wouldn't let my son run in any races. He made my son sit there and he wouldn't let him participate," Mears told 1010 WINS. "He was the only student who didn't run."

He disputes the school's contention that unexcused absences led to the boy's dismissal. The suit seeks $40 million as well as varsity letters and championship jackets from 2012 and 2013.

The Camden County superintendent declined to comment citing student privacy.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)