Former Westfield State University President Evan Dobelle has withdrawn his federal lawsuit against state and school officials blaming them for his departure, saying the legal fight's cost was too great.
The Republican of Springfield reports that Dobelle and defendants filed a motion in federal court Thursday saying they agreed to dismiss the lawsuit.
Earlier this week, Dobelle's lawyers petitioned to withdraw from his cases because of unpaid legal bills.
Dobelle was university president from January 2008 until his resignation in November 2013 amid questions about what some people called extravagant spending on travel, restaurant meals and other services. Dobelle defended the expenses.
Two lawsuits in state court remain pending. Dobelle is suing claiming breach of contract and demanding payment of his legal fees. The state attorney general's office is suing to recover nearly $100,000 in public funds it alleges was misspent by Dobelle.
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