The legal battle between Kansas State University and former head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang has finally come to a conclusion, with K-State agreeing to pay Tang $12 million.
According to The Athletic, the money will be paid out through the end of 2027 and falls short of the $18.7 million salary that Tang claimed he was owed per his contract.
Related: Legal Battle Brews as K-State Fires Coach Tang ‘For Cause’ Over Postgame Comments
In February, K-State fired Tang for postgame comments he made after the Wildcats lost to the University of Cincinnati. He said, “This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university. I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is ridiculous. We’ve got practice at six a.m. tomorrow morning and we will get this thing right.”
The university claimed these comments brought embarrassment to the school, a violation of Tang’s contract, allowing him to be fired “for cause” and lose his $18.7 million contract buyout.
The recently negotiated settlement is not contingent on any other employment Tang may pursue. Critical, as he has returned to his former employer, Baylor University, as an assistant men’s basketball coach.
Related: K-State Changes New Coach’s Contract Language Following Tang’s ‘For Cause’ Firing
According to Sports Illustrated, the conclusion of the legal battle is a chance for both K-State and Tang to move forward. Casey Alexander has taken over as the new men’s head basketball coach for the Wildcats.
