Gene “Geno” A. Ford went into coaching after his years in college, taking a job as an Ohio assistant coach. In 2007-2008 he was appointed as an assistant coach at Kent State University (Kent State) and became the head basketball coach of Kent State in 2008. On or about April 1, 2008, Ford and Kent State entered into their initial Employment Contract which was for a four year term with an option for a fifth year by mutual agreement of the parties.
Pray to Play: The Termination of Beckie Francis
Oakland University was founded in 1957 as a satellite school to Michigan State University. The university was originally named Michigan State University – Oakland. The school was renamed Oakland University in 1963 and is a public institution. In 1970, the university was granted autonomy from Michigan State and became independent. Oakland has an approximate enrollment of 19,740 students, has 139 baccalaureate degree programs and 125 graduate degree and certificate programs. Oakland's motto is "Seek virtue and knowledge." Oakland athletics participate at the Division I level. Previously known as the Pioneers, the teams now are known as the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland was part of the Summit League from 1998 to 2013. In September 2013 it was announced that Oakland was moving to the Horizon League.
Coach Accountability Reduces Vicarious Liability
Head Coach Accountability - New Standard. In October of 2012, NCAA Bylaw 11.1.2.1 was created to read as follows: It shall be the responsibility of an institution's head coach to promote an atmosphere for compliance within the program supervised by the coach and to monitor the activities regarding compliance of all assistant coaches and other administrators involved with the program who report directly or indirectly to the coach. As a result of NCAA Bylaw 11.1.2.1, an institution's head coach is presumed to be responsible for the actions of all assistant coaches and administrators who report directly and indirectly to the head coach. Under the new Bylaw, a head coach is required to cultivate an atmosphere of compliance within his program and to monitor the activities of all assistant coaches and administrators involved with the program who report directly or indirectly to the head coach. The new legislation holds head coaches directly accountable for NCAA violations by members of their coaching staff.
The Termination of Rutgers Coach Mike Rice, Jr.
Mike Rice, Jr. was an assistant collegiate basketball coach at a number of universities, including Marquette (1994-1997), and became the head basketball coach at Robert Morris University from 2007-2010. At Robert Morris, Rice compiled a record of 73 wins and 31 losses during his tenure and participated in the first round of the NIT and NCAA tournaments. In 2010 he was hired as head basketball coach at Rutgers University (Rutgers), a member of the Big East Conference. His record at Rutgers through the 2013 season was 44 wins and 51 losses, without a tournament appearance. On or about May 6, 2010, Rice and Rutgers entered into an employment contract. The term of the contract was from May 6, 2010 through April 7, 2015. Rice received two forms of compensation, a base salary and guaranteed compensation.
Why sports stars should not be role models
It was difficult to explain to my 7-year-old grandson, an avid baseball and Milwaukee Brewers fan, why MVP Ryan Braun was no longer in left field. Violating the rules, trying to circumvent a level playing field by taking a competitive advantage and deceiving the public, his employer, teammates and friends was a difficult explanation for a 7-year-old to comprehend. It brings to light the ever-nagging problem as to how we view professional athletes. We should celebrate and emulate their on-field heroics. Dedication, physical prowess, work ethic, perseverance, sacrifice and teamwork are characteristics that set them apart. Professional athletes' on- and off-the-field flamboyance, larger-than-life persona and constant limelight presence make them unforgettable figures in our lives.
Steve Alford – POSTSCRIPT – An Expensive Buyout Provision
At the time I wrote the article in Greenberg's Coaching Corner entitled "Steve Alford - Coaching Free Agency is Just a Matter of Money," Steve Alford's (Alford) completed UCLA contract was not available. A contract entitled Full Time Coach, Talent Fee & Camp Agreement - Men's Basketball dated as of March 30, 2013, by and between The Regents of the University of California and Steve Alford was recently released pursuant to an open records request. In that article I referenced a statement by UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero that Alford would receive a $200,000 signing bonus, which was the amount Alford claimed he owed University of New Mexico (UNM) by virtue of his early termination. On May 17, 2013, it was announced that UNM had agreed to accept $300,000 of their original million dollar demand for early termination as a result of the Term Sheet executed by Alford on March 18, 2013. UNM also announced that the settlement resulted in a net benefit of approximately $625,000 to UNM. The additional $325,000 represented compensation that was not paid to Alford in the form of bonuses, incentives, and deferred compensation.
Steve Alford – Coaching Free Agency is Just a Matter of Money
Steve Alford became the head basketball coach at the University of New Mexico (UNM) on March 23, 2007, replacing the fired Ritchie McKay. During his stay at the UNM he amassed 155 wins and 52 losses. Alford executed his first contract with UMN on June 26, 2007. Paragraph 7 of that contract, entitled, Termination by Request of Coach Alford, stated: Coach Alford may terminate this Agreement at any time upon thirty days notice to the VPIA. In the event that Coach Alford voluntarily terminates this agreement, the University shall have no further liability except for base salary and benefits accrued to the date of termination, a pro rata share of the Other Compensation described in paragraph 3.b.5, above, but there shall not be any liability as to the Deferred Compensation except, and only, as provided in paragraph 3d, above.
CEOs in Headphones – POSTSCRIPT
College coaches' contracts for public institutions, unless limited by some state law exception, are open to the public for review. By making an open records request, universities will provide copies of coaches' contracts and any amendments thereto. From a review of the coach's contract and what is reported by the coach to the university with respect to athletically related income, plus a determination as to whether bonuses prescribed were achieved, one could come to a fairly good understanding of what a coach's total compensation package approximates.
CEOs In Headphones – Financial Engineering
The college coach of today is required not only to be an instructor, but also act as a fund raiser, recruiter, academic adviser, public figure, budget director, television, radio and internet personality, alumni glad-handler, and any other role that the university's athletic director or president may direct him to do. Sports sociologists would opine that college coaches suffer from a condition known in the social science discipline as ‘role strain;’ that is, they have far too many roles to fill at very high levels of performance. It is no wonder why big time college coaches are compensated the way they are -- the job environment dictates the high compensation level.
Wisconsin Concussion Law is a No Brainer
The statistics are overwhelming. Somewhere between 1.6 and 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur in the United States every year, an estimate that led the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to conclude that concussions have reached an “epidemic” level.
Real Estate Law
Over 40 years of experience in real estate transactions, disputes and litigation, development, expert witness services and more.
Sports Law
Nationally recognized in the areas of contract negotiation, facility development, and expert witness testimony.
Small Business Law
Helping small business with real estate transactions, proprietary rights, shareholder agreements, business incorporation, and everything in between.
Condominium Law
By laws, declarations, municipal issues, and homeowner disputes are just a few of the legal services we provide.