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The Stacy Johnson-Klein vs. Fresno State lawsuit took shape this week as opening arguments and the testimony of university employees were presented before the jury of 11 women and one man.

University President John D. Welty took the stand on Wednesday and Thursday, defending the university’s firing of former women’s basketball head coach Johnson-Klein in March 2005.

Johnson-Klein’s attorney, Warren Paboojian, questioned Welty regarding the university’s alleged double standard in treating male and female coaches. Paboojian brought up the point that the university released a statement announcing Johnson-Klein’s termination which detailed a university investigation that revealed Johnson-Klein took painkillers from a student and skimmed money from staff.

However, for the firing of men’s basketball coach Ray Lopes there was no such press release even though Lopes admitted to more than 450 NCAA violations.

Paboojian also presented information regarding an incident when former Athletic Director Scott Johnson allegedly made sexual advances to Johnson-Klein at a carwash. Welty admitted to many problems during Johnson’s career as athletic director at the university, eventually regretting hiring Johnson.

Fresno State initiated an investigation when Johnson-Klein threatened the university with Title IX complaints, Paboojian said.

Fresno State’s attorney, Mick Marderosian, attacked Johnson-Klein and her alleged unorthodox behavior, which also included making her players pack and carry her bags when traveling.

Former Associate Athletic Director Dianne Milutinovich, who recently settled with Fresno State for $3.5 million, also testified on Tuesday and Wednesday.

During jury selection last week Milutinovich and Welty were just some of the names that both sides presented to the judge as witnesses. More than 170 names were on Fresno State’s list, including current coaches Margie Wright and Pat Hill, and former basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian.

Former Fresno State basketball player and convicted murderer Terry Pettis, along with his coach, Lopes, are also expected to testify. In addition, former women’s basketball player Chantella Perea is set to testify as the person Fresno State claims Johnson-Klein took painkillers from.