Andy Knutson, who has coached wrestling at Lake Stevens High School, has filed a libel and defamation lawsuit against Lake Stevens School District, alleging that false statements damaged his reputation and led to a loss of employment.
The two-page complaint, filed Nov. 2 in Snohomish County Superior Court, names Lake Stevens School District #4 and 10 unidentified defendants. Knutson alleges they communicated statements of fact about him that they knew, or should have known through reasonable care, were false or would create a false impression.
The complaint does not identify the specific statements, who made them, when they were made or who received them. It also does not describe the employment decision behind the claimed loss.
Knutson seeks damages for alleged harm and financial losses, including future losses, along with court costs. The filing does not specify a dollar amount. It is signed by his attorney, Carl A. Taylor Lopez of Lopez & Fantel.
Coaching contract drew public attention
Knutson is listed as a Lake Stevens assistant coach in the February 2025 district wrestling tournament bulletin.
His coaching contract was also discussed at school board meetings. The district's March 26, 2025, minutes record 28 speakers supporting Knutson and expressing concerns about the nonrenewal of his coaching contract. The speakers included current and former students, parents, coaches, colleagues and other community members.
The Oct. 22, 2025, minutes record 31 speakers sharing stories about Knutson's influence through athletics, academics and personal development. Neither set of minutes gives the district's explanation for the nonrenewal discussed by speakers.
Where the case stands
The court's public docket listed case 26-2-11419-31 as active when reviewed Nov. 14. It showed the complaint and a summons, both filed Nov. 2. No district answer, hearing or court order was listed in the public entries reviewed.
The complaint's allegations have not been resolved in any ruling listed on that docket. Readers can follow the case through the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal by searching the case number.
