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Friday, March 8
 
Richardson's lawyers request information, rather than give it

Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Former coach Nolan Richardson did not meet a Friday deadline to provide information for a review of his dismissal, the University of Arkansas said.

"I don't know what's going to happen next," university spokesman Jay Nichols said.

The university had given Richardson until 5 p.m. Friday to submit in writing information that he wanted UA President Alan Sugg to consider in reviewing the decision to buy out the remaining six years of the coach's contract.

Instead, the university released letters in which Richardson lawyer John Walker requested a multitude of university documents under the state Freedom of Information Act. He asked that the records be made available as soon as 4 p.m. Monday.

Walker has said he would ask Sugg to review the termination of Richardson's contract when his appeal is ready -- even if it's after the school-imposed deadline.

The review sought by Richardson is seen as a prerequisite for possible legal action against the university.

Walker sought, among other things, contractual, financial, personnel and other records, including a copy of Richardson's personnel file and all communications regarding Richardson between university officials and others, including the president of the Arkansas Razorback Foundation.

Richardson's seven-year, $1.03 million a year contract, which was terminated March 1, does not mention specific deadlines beyond saying "time is of the essence in all respects concerning this agreement."

Walker was in court Friday and did not return calls seeking comment. His office said the lawyer might send another letter to the university, saying the appeal was still being prepared.

That is what Walker did Monday after Chancellor John White initially said Richardson had only until noon that day to seek a review.

School lawyer Fred Harrison acknowledged in a letter to Walker on Tuesday that there was no specific deadline for Richardson to appeal but cited the "time is of the essence" clause.

Arkansas bought out the remaining six years of Richardson's contract at $500,000 per year after Richardson said twice publicly that if the school would buy out his contract, he would leave. Before the contract was ended, Richardson said he wanted to stay.

But Harrison cited the earlier remarks in a letter to Walker supporting the school's move.

The Razorbacks finished the season at 14-15 after a loss to Tennessee on Thursday in the Southeastern Conference tournament. The only time Arkansas did not make postseason tournaments during the Richardson era were in the first and, now, last year's of his tenure.

The coach, whose 17 years at the school included 13 NCAA appearances, an NCAA championship and two NIT appearances, had his contract terminated through a no-excuses-needed clause.

In the letters sent Wednesday, Richardson's lawyer asked the university to make available for review all communications between Sugg and White, Athletic Director Frank Broyles, Richardson and any representative of the Arkansas Razorback Foundation, including foundation President Chuck Dicus.

Walker also sought "any written correspondence regarding Richardson for the past year from any source under the supervision and control" of Sugg and-or White, Broyles or the foundation.

He sought writings mailed, hand-delivered or sent by electronic mail that have been exchanged between any of the parties, or which have been made in response to any inquiry regarding Richardson from any source during the past three years.

Walker requested copies of contracts between the university or the foundation and all coaches in all sports over the past decade.

Walker asked the university to make available for inspection financial records from that period reflecting payments, wages and-or salaries for all persons in the school's athletic department under contract. He sought copies of any writings reflecting discussions and results of athletic department personnel who either were terminated, requested to resign, resigned or had their contracts bought out.

Walker also requested a copy of Richardson's personnel file, was well as records from the past 10 years that the university reports to any federal or state agency regarding the racial makeup of the student body, faculty and support staff, administrative and executive staff at all campuses of the university and its administrative office in Little Rock.




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