Kent State Suing Former Coach Geno Ford

http://www.pjstar.com/bradleyhoops/x447606969/Kent-State-suing-Bradley-coach Kent State University is seeking $1.2 million in damages from its former men’s basketball coach Geno Ford, now Bradley’s head coach, for breach of contract.

The complaint, filed April 26 in Portage County, Ohio, also seeks $25,000 from Ford for breach of fiduciary duty and $25,000 from Bradley for tortious interference with a contract.

KSU said in the lawsuit that Ford ended his contract without permission and never paid the school damages for the four years remaining on his agreement with the university.

The complaint also alleges that Bradley “intentionally induced Ford to breach” his KSU contract and did not pay Kent State an early departure fee.

Ford, Kent State’s head coach from 2008-11, was earning $300,000 per year, hence the $1.2 million figure.

Named Bradley’s head coach on March 27, Ford is receiving a base salary of $700,000 per year at BU, according to sources.

Both Ford and Bradley issued statements upon hearing of the lawsuit.

“During the process, everything was handled professionally and appropriately,” Ford said. “It is unfortunate this has turned into a legal matter. I look forward to a quick resolution.”

Bradley athletics director Michael Cross delivered this statement from the university: “Bradley University is respectful of employer-employee relationships — including those involving current and former employees — and has acted accordingly.

“As testament to that, Bradley and Coach Ford handled the hiring process in a straightforward and professional manner with the clear consent of Kent State University.

“It is unfortunate that Kent State filed a completely unnecessary lawsuit against Coach Ford and Bradley. Since it has done so, Bradley will make no further public statements at this time.”