UNR cheerleader files extortion complaint against squad coach

RENO - A University of Nevada, Reno cheerleader has filed an extortion complaint against the squad's coach over a $500 fine slapped against her for competing in an event without the coach's blessing.

Nicole Archie, a senior journalism student, filed the complaint last week with UNR police against coach Heather Soper-Wilson, a Reno newspaper reported.

Archie and a male cheerleader each were fined $500 for competing in the National Cheerleading Association Championships in Daytona, Fla., in April.

Archie claimed Soper-Wilson initially suggested both students give her $700 to arrange for the trip. When the students balked, the coach barred them from going, she said.

When they returned, Archie said, she was told if she did not pay the fine she would be booted from the team and unable to register for classes, therefore making her planned August graduation impossible.

She said she later paid the fine, even though she felt intimidated.

UNR officials said the fines were improper and they plan to reimburse the students in full.

They're also investigating Archie's allegations that Soper-Wilson made a practice of fining cheerleaders as punishment, a violation of university policy.

Archie said $50 fines were common for infractions such as wearing the wrong colored socks and tardiness at practice. A male cheerleader was once fined for shaving his head, she added.

Paul Page, vice president for university advancement, said administrators have asked Soper-Wilson for accounting records to determine what happened to the fine money.

Soper-Wilson denied any wrongdoing, saying Archie's money order was made out to the Board of Regents and went back into the cheerleading fund.

''The university is following up on this ... and I'm sure it will all work out,'' the coach said. ''These are kids that I love, and I hope that they love me, too.''

UNR police also are investigating the complaint.