New Mexico wants $1 million from UCLA Coach Steve Alford

New Mexico officials are insisting that new UCLA Coach Steve Alford owes the school a $1-million buyout, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Alford took the job at UCLA days after agreeing to a 10-year deal to stay at New Mexico.

The new contract, which took effect April 1, included a $1-million buyout. Alford agreed to come to UCLA on March 30, but in a letter sent to Alford, university officials said the new buyout was in effect, the Journal reported.

Alford had a $150,000 buyout in his old contract.

Asked about the buyout after being hired at UCLA, Alford said, “I know it’s not April 1. The agreement I signed starts April 1. I’m not a lawyer. I’m an Indiana graduate who likes basketball. The lawyers will get together and figure that out.”

UCLA provided Alford with a $200,000 signing bonus. New Mexico officials are now insisting that Alford or UCLA pay $1 million.

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