Cheerleader dismissed from squad for working at Hooters restaurant

An East Tennessee State University student says she was dismissed from the cheerleading squad because she works at a Hooters restaurant.

Freshman Kimberly Sams says she's 18 and should be allowed to work where she wants.

The owl-themed restaurants feature waitresses in snug athletic shirts and shorts. The company has a banner on its Web site reading, "Delightfully tacky, yet unrefined."

Sams says she was called into a locker room after practice and dismissed by squad coach Tammy Bartow about three weeks ago. Sams says Bartow told her the off-campus job was the reason.

Athletic director Dave Mullins wouldn't comment on Sams' dismissal, citing student privacy laws.

Hooters Vice President Mike McNeil in Atlanta said the owl-themed restaurant chain "supports the employee and the statements she's making." He also said ETSU should reinstate her to the cheerleading squad.