The athletic director of an Albany, New York public school district warned the school board about the methods of a football coach. A subsequent criminal sexual hazing incident resulted in the suspension of the entire football coaching staff and intense media attention to the athletic program. The director held a news conference critical of the school board. A month later, citing bogus budget considerations, the board eliminated his post. The director sued and won. His first amendment right to speak out on a matter of public concern without retaliation was upheld.