Judge: Ohio State improperly fired ex-coach O'Brien

[Dr. Jack]

Judge: Ohio State improperly fired ex-coach O'Brien
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A judge ruled Wednesday that Ohio State improperly fired basketball coach Jim O'Brien in 2004 after university officials learned the coach had loaned money to a recruit.

O'Brien broke his contract by giving the $6,000 loan, but the error was not serious enough to warrant firing, Ohio Court of Claims Judge Joseph T. Clark said, finding in O'Brien's favor in the coach's lawsuit against the university.

"Because plaintiff's failure of performance was not material, defendant did not have cause for termination," the judge wrote.

O'Brien sued the university for $3.5 million in lost wages and benefits after he was fired in June 2004. With interest and other damages, he could receive nearly $9.5 million. Damages will be determined after another hearing.

The coach, who led Ohio State to the Final Four in 1999, had argued that the personal loan to Aleksandar Radojevic, a 7-foot-3 prospect from Serbia, was not a violation because he knew Radojevic already had forfeited his amateur status by playing professionally.

He said he gave the money to Radojevic's family in late 1998 or early 1999 because the player's father had recently died. Radojevic never played for the Buckeyes.

A provision of O'Brien's contract said the NCAA had to rule on alleged violations before he could be fired for that reason.

Ohio State president Karen Holbrook testified during the case that there was still justification for the dismissal because the contract also required him to uphold Ohio State's standards.

O'Brien, 55, coached the Buckeyes to a 133-88 record that included two Big Ten titles and a conference tournament title in seven seasons.

[SPORTSPICKS2003]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jack

Judge: Ohio State improperly fired ex-coach O'Brien
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A judge ruled Wednesday that Ohio State improperly fired basketball coach Jim O'Brien in 2004 after university officials learned the coach had loaned money to a recruit.

O'Brien broke his contract by giving the $6,000 loan, but the error was not serious enough to warrant firing, Ohio Court of Claims Judge Joseph T. Clark said, finding in O'Brien's favor in the coach's lawsuit against the university.

"Because plaintiff's failure of performance was not material, defendant did not have cause for termination," the judge wrote.

O'Brien sued the university for $3.5 million in lost wages and benefits after he was fired in June 2004. With interest and other damages, he could receive nearly $9.5 million. Damages will be determined after another hearing.

The coach, who led Ohio State to the Final Four in 1999, had argued that the personal loan to Aleksandar Radojevic, a 7-foot-3 prospect from Serbia, was not a violation because he knew Radojevic already had forfeited his amateur status by playing professionally.

He said he gave the money to Radojevic's family in late 1998 or early 1999 because the player's father had recently died. Radojevic never played for the Buckeyes.

A provision of O'Brien's contract said the NCAA had to rule on alleged violations before he could be fired for that reason.

Ohio State president Karen Holbrook testified during the case that there was still justification for the dismissal because the contract also required him to uphold Ohio State's standards.

O'Brien, 55, coached the Buckeyes to a 133-88 record that included two Big Ten titles and a conference tournament title in seven seasons.

Was glad to see that. I thought he was a very good coach and with what he had really accomplished alot and got the program back in the spotlight. The team with Penn and Redd made it to the final 4 and like Ayers when things tailed off they looked for a way to kick him the the curb. Motta looks great for the program so far but he has the same hand on his back that will soon be followed by the swift kick in the ass like the others. Make the most of it while you can, when things fade the slightest bit, they are already looking for the next hire. Congrats again Coach O