New Twist in Pastner Saga

[max the wonder dog]

U of M President says school is investigating an alleged conflict of interest in CJP's sweetheart contract. Both Pastner and Athletic Director Tom Bowen were represented by Joey McCutchen of Next Level Sports. Bowen says he "severed" the relationship with Next Level after he took the job at U of M

The university has engaged outside counsel to investigate.

Question for lawyers on the board: does this possible conflict of interest give U of M leverage to renegotiate contract?

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/tigers/ca-investigation-memphis-ad-coach-shared-agent-investigation-underway-2ea71d1d-c405-19c2-e053-010000-373131101.html

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

They would certainly like to think so!

[Digetydog]

Although it is a point to argue, I doubt that it gets Memphis out of the contract.

1) It doesn't appear that the relationship was a secret;
2) If the AD was no longer represented by the agent, it is almost certainly not a problem;
3) I would bet $100 that UM had its own lawyer(s) and/or consultants that advised them on the contract; and
4) UM is a public university. Final say on contracts like Pastner's would almost certainly need to be approved by the "Board." Unless something very strange happened, (the AD lied to them or there were hidden terms in the contract) I think thier approval controls.

[max the wonder dog]

Although it is a point to argue, I doubt that it gets Memphis out of the contract.

1) It doesn't appear that the relationship was a secret;
2) If the AD was no longer represented by the agent, it is almost certainly not a problem;
3) I would bet $100 that UM had its own lawyer(s) and/or consultants that advised them on the contract; and
4) UM is a public university. Final say on contracts like Pastner's would almost certainly need to be approved by the "Board." Unless something very strange happened, (the AD lied to them or there were hidden terms in the contract) I think thier approval controls.

The stories on the contract issue have only reported that the university president at the time (now retired) signed the contract. There has been no mention of the state board overseeing the university approving it though, as I recall, their approval was needed to hire the new university president.

[CA Mustang]

Although it is a point to argue, I doubt that it gets Memphis out of the contract.

1) It doesn't appear that the relationship was a secret;
2) If the AD was no longer represented by the agent, it is almost certainly not a problem;
3) I would bet $100 that UM had its own lawyer(s) and/or consultants that advised them on the contract; and
4) UM is a public university. Final say on contracts like Pastner's would almost certainly need to be approved by the "Board." Unless something very strange happened, (the AD lied to them or there were hidden terms in the contract) I think thier approval controls.

The stories on the contract issue have only reported that the university president at the time (now retired) signed the contract. There has been no mention of the state board overseeing the university approving it though, as I recall, their approval was needed to hire the new university president.

The school's lawyer did review it, but has since moved on to legal position for the state of TN. When a reporter asked her about it, she declined to comment citing "attorney-client privilege".

[Digetydog]

Although it is a point to argue, I doubt that it gets Memphis out of the contract.

1) It doesn't appear that the relationship was a secret;
2) If the AD was no longer represented by the agent, it is almost certainly not a problem;
3) I would bet $100 that UM had its own lawyer(s) and/or consultants that advised them on the contract; and
4) UM is a public university. Final say on contracts like Pastner's would almost certainly need to be approved by the "Board." Unless something very strange happened, (the AD lied to them or there were hidden terms in the contract) I think thier approval controls.

The stories on the contract issue have only reported that the university president at the time (now retired) signed the contract. There has been no mention of the state board overseeing the university approving it though, as I recall, their approval was needed to hire the new university president.

If Memphis goes down this path in an attempt to get out of Pastner's deal, I really expect them to end up looking foolish.

Bowen's version of events (who was involved in the deal on UM's side) seems consistent with what happens at other state schools. The idea that the AD could sign the deal on his own is ludicrous. Why? If the legally required sign offs are not obtained, the State can back out of the deal.

[Digetydog]

http://www.gotigersgo.com/news/2015/6/1 ... print=true

If hiring an assistant coach requires the approval of the Board of Regents, a multi-million contract extension for the Head Coach must require their approval? No?

[ponyinNC]

regardless - this type of investigation (publicly) means the relationship between Pastner and UM is beyond repair...

[SMU Football Blog]

So the alleged conflict is that an agent/attorney representing Pastner either represents or previously represented the AD? That may or may not be a conflict for the agent (I don't think it is), but it is not a conflict for the AD absent some other factors.

[smupony94]

Didn't think it was possible but Memphis is imploding further

[max the wonder dog]

Didn't think it was possible but Memphis is imploding further

I assume 94 was referring to the news that rising senior Avery Woodson is transferring. Woodson, 9.6 pts and 1.4 assists in 26 minutes per game graduates and will be immediately eligible.

But wait, there's more. Randall Brodie, per Scout the #7 shooting guard in his recruiting class, is transferring. He didn't play or practice last year, apparently due to academics.

And Dedric Lawson, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, is testing the waters for the NBA draft.

Two of the TIgers' assistant coaches have left for other jobs. Dedric and Keelon Lawson's dad, who came in a package deal, is the only assistant coach left.

Charlie Moore, a 4 Star guard from Chicago, has committed but not signed and said he's sticking with his commitment "for now."

The only other Tiger commitment for 2016 is an unranked forward from the Memphis JUCO.

If Lawson leaves, they could be the worst team in the American next year.

[smupony94]

[mtrout]

Why is everyone leaving? I haven't paid close attention to the situation

[LA_Mustang]

That's a funny pic.

[smupony94]

Hope TigerJ can read this thread