UConn settles with former coach Ollie for $3.9M
Former University of Connecticut and men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie has filed for reputational damages and claims to end a long legal battle since his firing in 2018 for allegedly violating NCAA rules. Settled for $3.9 million in attorney’s fees.
The settlement effectively ends a potential federal racial discrimination lawsuit Ollie had considered against the university.
Ollie, a former UConn point guard who guided the Huskies to a 127-79 record and the 2014 national championship in six seasons as head coach, was let go after two losing seasons.
After he was fired, Ollie sued the school after it refused to pay him the remainder of his multimillion-dollar contract. The school cited the alleged violations for its decision to fire Ollie without pay.
In January, an arbitrator ruled that UConn had “wrongfully fired” Ollie and awarded him $11.1 million.
According to a joint statement between Oli and the school on Thursday, the $3.9 million settlement “settled all outstanding matters related to his former employment with the University of Connecticut and to avoid further costly and protracted litigation.” It’s resolved.”
“I’m grateful that we were able to reach out. [an] agreement, Oli said in the statement. “My time at UConn as a student-athlete and coach is something I will always cherish. I am pleased that this matter is now fully and finally resolved.”
An NCAA investigation into Ollie’s alleged violations resulted in two years of probation for the school and a three-year show cause penalty for Ollie.
Ollie, who coached his alma mater to a national championship in 2014, continued to fight for what he and his team called an unfair dismissal before an arbitrator ruled in favor earlier this year. stated.
Oli’s legal team called the January ruling a “vindication” for Oli, who was accused by the committee of violations during the investigation.
Thursday’s settlement comes as Ollie’s three-year showdown comes to an end, which could open the door for him to return to college coaching.