The Associated Press
Friday, Oct. 1, 1999; 6:23 a.m. EDT

ATLANTA –– Coca-Cola officials did not shred potential evidence in a discrimination lawsuit against the soft drink giant, though they did consider the idea, company lawyers said.

Allegations of document-shredding were raised two weeks ago by lawyers for four current or former black Coca-Cola employees who maintain the company racially discriminates within its ranks. Coca-Cola denies the charge.

In a motion filed in U.S. District Court, the attorneys said they had "substantial evidence" that the so-called "war room" where Coca-Cola was working on the suit contained shredders that destroyed information. The plaintiffs asked U.S. District Judge Richard Story to order additional depositions and to punish Coke for any misconduct.

While Coca-Cola officials once discussed the possibility of using shredders in a data collection room, the idea was "immediately vetoed" and never acted upon, according to court papers filed by company lawyers Thursday.

Coca-Cola's attorneys said the plaintiff's lawyers are "apparently unrestrained by any obligation even to attempt to verify" facts and suggested they be sanctioned.