Kicker Josh Lambo is suing the Jacksonville Jaguars alleging former head coach Urban Meyer created a hostile work environment that contributed to his on-field performance suffering, the Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday.
Lambo alleged Meyer kicked him and swore at him while he was working out last August before the Jaguars' preseason finale.
Lambo's accusation becoming public in December was the final straw for Meyer, as Jacksonville fired him the same day, 13 games into his first season with the team.
"I'm in a lunge position. Left leg forward, right leg back," Lambo told the Tampa Bay Times. "... Urban Meyer, while I'm in that stretch position, comes up to me and says, Hey Dips**t, make your f****** kicks!' And kicks me in the leg."
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Now Lambo is seeking his $3.5m salary for 2021, with interest, plus damages for emotional distress.
Lambo's lawsuit claims he reported the incident to the Jaguars' legal counsel via his agent. He was released from the team in October, which Lambo claims violated a Florida law protecting whistleblowers in the private sector.
The Jaguars told the Tampa Bay Times their legal counsel offered to meet with Lambo over the incident, but Lambo said that was not true.
Currently a free agent, Lambo played in 78 games across seven NFL seasons with the then-San Diego Chargers (2015-16) and Jaguars (2017-21). His career mark of 87.1 per cent on field goal attempts ranks sixth in league history.
Meyer has not caught on with another NFL or college team since his departure from Jacksonville. Reports late last month said he was in negotiations to return to a broadcasting role with Fox.