Richardson’s Firing Is Upheld by President
The University of Arkansas’ top executive upheld the dismissal of Nolan Richardson, saying Thursday that he agreed with a campus chancellor’s decision to fire the coach.
President B. Alan Sugg said he reviewed 80 pages of material submitted by Richardson and interviewed a number of people while doing his research. In the end, he agreed that Richardson should be replaced.
“Based on my review, I am firmly convinced that the termination of your employment agreement by [Chancellor] John White in consultation with [Athletic Director] Frank Broyles was legal and fair,” Sugg wrote in a letter to Richardson.
It wasn’t known whether Richardson would sue. The appeal to Sugg was seen as a prerequisite for any action through the courts or government agencies.
“We’re not going to move in haste,” said Richardson’s lawyer, John Walker.
Cincinnati Coach Bob Huggins has been offered the West Virginia job and is deciding whether to remain with the Bearcats or return to his alma mater.
“It’s a personal decision for Bob to make,” said Bret Adams, Huggins’ lawyer. “I think it’s probably the toughest professional decision of his career.”
Center-forward Jamal Sampson declared himself eligible for the NBA draft after one season at California.
Sampson, from Mater Dei High, averaged 6.4 points and 6.5 rebounds a game in his freshman season with the Golden Bears. The 6-foot-11 member of the Pacific 10 Conference’s all-freshman team also blocked 54 shots while starting 31 of Cal’s 32 games.
Sampson said he won’t hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to school if his draft position is unfavorable.
“This decision was made by Jamal and his family,” Cal Coach Ben Braun said. “I support him in the decision, but I’d personally like to see him come back to school, as I would with all players.... I hope his tenure at Cal was helpful to him.”
Jamel Bradley scored 17 points as South Carolina (21-14) rolled to an 82-47 victory over Ball State (23-12) in a third-round game of the National Invitation Tournament at Columbia, S.C.
The Gamecocks will play Syracuse on Tuesday in a semifinal game at Madison Square Garden.