UMBC settles defamation case with former athletic director

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The University of Maryland, Baltimore County has settled a defamation lawsuit brought by former athletic director Brian Barrio, who alleged he was “scapegoated” and fired amid a sexual abuse investigation of a former swimming coach.

UMBC said Barrio “responded appropriately” after student-athletes confided in him about abuse committed and allowed by former men’s and women’s swimming coach Chad Cradock, and that he was not fired for cause.

Barrio, who served as athletic director from early 2020 until he was fired in March 2024, says he was a whistleblower whose actions led to Cradock being placed on leave.

“In November 2020, student athletes reported misconduct by Coach Cradock to Mr. Barrio, and Mr. Barrio responded appropriately to those reports,” UMBC said in a statement.

“Mr. Barrio’s contract was not terminated for cause and neither the DOJ nor UMBC identified any action or omission by Mr. Barrio that contributed to the misconduct by Mr. Cradock. UMBC wishes Mr. Barrio well in his future endeavors in athletics administration.”

Barrio said he felt vindicated.

“Today’s settlement finally vindicates me and allows me to move on after a long and difficult period,” he said in a statement.

“It was important for the record to reflect that I handled this situation with integrity and with care for students,” his statement continued. “This settlement brings closure for me and for my family, and I hope it underscores the importance of supporting those who take the right actions when faced with misconduct in the workplace and encourages others to speak up and take action if they are faced with a similar situation.”

The Baltimore Sun first reported the settlement.

After Barrio was fired last year, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $4.1 million settlement for students who were subjected to misconduct and discrimination.

The settlement followed a Department of Justice investigation, which found Cradock touched male swimmers without their consent and secretly filmed them showering between 2015 and 2020. It also found male swimmers assaulted female swimmers and subjected them to dating violence. Cradock died by suicide in 2021.

Barrio originally sued UMBC, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby in August 2024. In April, U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson denied the university’s motion to dismiss.

Barrio was represented by Bethesda-based lawyers with the firm Offit Kurman. The defendants were represented by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.

The amount of the settlement was not disclosed. It does not appear to have been approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works, based on a review of the board’s agendas since October, when court records show the parties held a settlement conference.

In a brief phone call, Barrio declined to comment beyond his written statement, but said he’s still living in Maryland and is now working at a consulting firm with young athletes who want to be recruited.

“I am overwhelmed by all the outreach today from colleagues and friends,” Barrio posted on X on Wednesday. “I am trying to get back to everyone, but in the meantime, thank you all. Your support and caring and friendship is what it’s all about.”

Disclosure: The author of this story has a family member who works as a lawyer at UMBC. That person did not work on the Barrio case, and the relationship had no impact on The Daily Record’s reporting.