In February, Kansas State University fired head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang “for cause.” As the university hires his replacement, big changes were made to the “for cause” section of the new coach’s contract.
Following a home court loss to the University of Cincinnati in February, Tang said at a press conference, “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.”
The university claims 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.
Tang has been battling that decision with his lawyers, an ongoing issue, but the university wants to ensure this kind of legal battle never occurs again.
Related: Legal Battle Brews as K-State Fires Coach Tang ‘For Cause’ Over Postgame Comments
According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, Kansas State hired Casey Alexanders as the new head men’s basketball coach, but the language in his contract under the “for cause” section varies greatly from the language previously used in Tang’s contract.
Conduct that K-State used to justify Tang’s firing is now included in the “objectionable behavior” section of the contract.
The two versions of the contract can be compared below:
| Coach Casey Alexander's Contract | Coach Jerome Tang's Contract |
Conduct that, to a reasonable person, which:
| Conducting themself at all times in a manner consistent with the position of Head Coach, an instructor of student-athletes, and an ambassador and representative of Kansas State athletics (KSA) and the University; Coach shall not engage in any behavior, actions, or activities (collectively, “Objectionable Behavior”) that:
|
The most important change is the language regarding “abusive or demeaning” action toward a student. The Topeka Capital Journal noted that similar language is not included in head football coach Collin Klein’s contract, and he was hired in December.
