Attorneys representing Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland, Athletic Director Tim Curley and Penn State University filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit by former Lady Lion Jen Harris yesterday.

This came as the next step in the legal process after Harris filed suit on allegations of anti-lesbian bias by Portland. The lawsuit was filed in the Federal Middle District Court of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg on Dec. 21.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon responded by e-mail, saying that the motion to dismiss "simply let the court know we believe the allegations against Penn State and the athletic director are unfounded."

Harris' lawsuit alleges that she was discriminated against by Portland on the basis of gender, race and sexual orientation. It also asks for both compensatory and punitive damages from Portland, Curley and the university.

Defendants had until midnight yesterday, two weeks after the attorney-drafted complaint was filed, to reply. Portland, Curley and the university now have 10 days to file a legal argument or "brief."

The defense's action to dismiss was expected, according to Harris' attorney, Karen Doering.

"They are probably going to take their best shot to knock our whole case out," Doering said.

Wendell Courtney, who represents both Curley and the university, confirmed through e-mail that his clients have gone through with the motion to dismiss claims in the lawsuit.