The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Files Papers Opposing Brewer's Requests
Nov. 4, 1999
UNIVERSITY, Miss. - The University of Mississippi today filed papers with the Lafayette County Circuit Court opposing Billy Brewer's request that the Court award him more money or grant him a new trial in his claim against the University and the State College Board.
A Lafayette County jury on Oct. 12 awarded Brewer $221,355 in his breach of contract suit, which resulted from his termination as Ole Miss head football coach in July 1994 for NCAA rules violations. Brewer had sought payment of $300,000 for the remaining three years on his contract and about $2 million in other damages.
In papers filed earlier this week, Brewer asked the Court to increase the jury's award by $72,500 - the amount the jury deducted because Brewer had earned that sum from other employment after his termination as head football coach - and to grant a new trial on his $2 million claim for emotional distress damages, which the jury refused to award.
"We tried for over five years to resolve this matter with Billy before trial, but his settlement demands always far exceeded the value of his claim," said Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat.
"Even now that the jury has spoken and awarded Billy the remainder of his contract, less what he earned since his termination, Billy rejected that judgment and insists that the University pay him more money," Khayat said. "Billy's actions have already caused the University enough damage, and the University has no desire to pay Billy any more than the jury awarded."
According to the papers it filed, the University has attempted to pay Brewer the total amount of the jury award, but his attorney will not accept payment because Brewer is demanding more money.
"The University wanted to avoid any post-trial filings because we believe it is time to close this sad chapter in the University's football history," Khayat said. "Unfortunately, Billy has left the University with no alternative but to protect its rights by opposing his demands for more money."
Although no hearing is scheduled for Brewer's latest request, the University hopes to have the matter resolved by the end of the month.