Lithuanian Sports University coach accused of age discrimination by student

A student at Lithuanian Sports University (LSU) has filed a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman, alleging that basketball coach Ramūnas Butautas discriminated against him due to his age and field of study, LRT.lt reports.

Gvidas Liutkus, a 23-year-old third-year sports management student, claims Butautas publicly called him a “miserable wreck” and an “old man” during a university basketball team tryout last autumn. The remarks, made in front of approximately 27 other students, allegedly caused significant psychological distress. Liutkus also states he was barred from further training despite the university’s official policy allowing all students to participate in sports regardless of their academic program.

The student reported the incident to the university’s rector but received no resolution. He later filed a formal complaint with the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman, which issued a warning to LSU for violating equal opportunity laws. The ombudsman recommended the university establish clearer internal rules for student participation in sports and ensure transparent team selection processes.

Butautas denies the allegations, stating the tryouts were intended for first-year students training to become coaches, not sports management students. He claims Liutkus was offered an administrative role in the team, which he declined, and suggests the age-related comment was taken out of context. “He is a third-year student, and the selection was for first-years,” Butautas said, adding that he never used the term “miserable wreck.”

The ombudsman’s investigation found that Butautas’ remark about the student being “too old” could be perceived as degrading, creating an unjustified negative impression of the student’s physical abilities and suitability for sports based on age.