Arbitrator Rules Former Minnesota-State Football Coach Should Be Reinstated

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An arbitrator has ruled that Minnesota State University, Mankato was wrong to fire football coach Todd Hoffner after charges were dismissed in an unfounded child pornography case.

Hoffner's attorney, Christopher Madel, tells the Star Tribune the arbitrator ruled Hoffner should be reinstated because his suspension and firing were not for just cause.

Hoffner was charged in 2012 with creating child pornography for recording videos of his children dancing naked. The charges were dismissed after a judge found the videos weren't child porn and were images of innocent fun.

Hoffner was placed on paid leave, and after the charges were dismissed he was given an administrative job but was fired for undisclosed reasons.

An MSU spokesman did not immediately return messages Thursday.

Hoffner recently became head coach at Minot State.