The University of Kansas has announced that “Kansas Athletics entered into a $2.55 million financial settlement with former head football coach David Beaty, ending all litigation and disputes.”
Beaty was fired near the conclusion of the 2018 season, and subsequently sued the university. He alleged that the university used potential NCAA infractions as a way to avoid a $3 million buyout per the terms of his contract.
The university held its ground in a statement.
“Despite the settlement, the University maintains that the facts and principles behind its position remain intact,” it said. “For the betterment of KU, and driven by a willingness to move forward during a time of uncertainty in college athletics, the University has now put this matter behind us.”
Michael P. Lyons, a Dallas-based trial lawyer representing Beaty, told The Topeka Capital-Journal that Beaty and his family are pleased to have this matter resolved.
“This has been an extremely challenging time for David and Raynee Beaty,” he said. “I think this is a victory not only for the Beaty family but for college coaches everywhere. The current trend of backtracking on your contractual obligations in an effort to find a way not to pay these contracted buyouts, I think not only is that a growing trend, but I think this is an example of what not to do. I think the settlement speaks for itself.”
Lyons added that his client “maintains that the allegations that precipitated this are contrived. David has never knowingly been involved in any NCAA violation in the history of his tenure as a coach in college football. Unfortunately for David he has to deal with the NCAA side of this now.”
