As the legal showdown between Kansas State and former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang heats up, it seems the crux of the matter may boil down to a single paragraph in Tang's contract. This pivotal clause, nestled on Page 7, Section 4.2, allows the Wildcats to terminate Tang “for cause” if his actions are deemed “objectionable” by the athletic director, Gene Taylor.
Earlier this month, K-State opted to part ways with Tang “for cause,” sidestepping any obligation to pay his $18.7 million buyout. The move was prompted by Tang’s post-game comments following a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, where he criticized his players’ lack of pride and threatened roster cuts. Taylor explained that these remarks were damaging to the student-athletes and embarrassing for the school.
Critics argue that K-State's decision was harsh, suggesting that missing the NCAA Tournament three times might have been a more justifiable reason for dismissal. However, supporters of the decision point to Taylor's contractual authority to make this call.
An Oregon law professor noted the contract’s strong language favoring the university. Yet, the word “reasonable” could be a game-changer. Marc Edelman, a law professor at Baruch College, highlights that this term requires an objective assessment of Tang’s behavior, making it a crucial point for legal debate.
For K-State to prevail in court, Taylor’s rationale for firing Tang must be seen as “reasonable” by outside observers. Dwayne Smith, a contract law expert, questioned why Taylor didn’t mention “objectionable behavior” directly when discussing Tang’s dismissal. Instead, Taylor cited the negative fallout from Tang’s comments, which aligns with another contract clause about avoiding public embarrassment.
Smith also raised eyebrows over the timing of Tang’s firing, as he was allowed to coach another game before his dismissal. Taylor explained that logistical delays and discussions with the university president were factors.
Tang, now armed with a legal team, is pursuing his buyout, potentially even more. His argument may hinge on whether other athletic directors would consider a press conference reason enough for termination. It’s not uncommon for coaches to make fiery remarks, and Tang’s own players, like guard Abdi Bashir, stood by him.
K-State, on the other hand, could argue that Tang’s threats to revoke scholarships and the impact on recruiting justified their decision. Ultimately, a judge may have to weigh in on these “reasonable” grounds.
Edelman points out that such contractual disputes are not unusual in college sports. Employers often seek broad termination rights, while coaches negotiate terms like “reasonable” to protect themselves. These cases frequently end in settlements, potentially avoiding a lengthy court battle.
In the end, this legal drama underscores the power of a single word in shaping the future of both a coach and a program.