Kansas announced a $2.55 million settlement with former football coach David Beaty.
He was owed $3 million when he was fired in November 2018 after compiling a 6-42 record in four seasons with the Jayhawks.
“Despite the settlement, the University maintains the facts and principles behind its position remain intact,” the school said in a statement. “For the betterment of KU, and driven by a willingness to move forward during a time of uncertainty in college athletics, the University has now put this matter behind us.”
Beaty had sued the university in March 2019, accusing the school of improperly firing him for cause and “concocting” alleged NCAA violations in order to withhold his $3 million buyout.
Beaty’s attorney, Michael Lyons, told the Lawrence-Journal World that his client was happy to have the legal battle behind him.
“I believe the settlement speaks for itself. Kansas ultimately spent more money on this misadventure than they would have spent had they simply honored their commitment to Coach Beaty and his family,” Lyons said. “In the process, Kansas’ leadership has subjected the athletics department to unnecessary additional scrutiny from the NCAA and a loss of credibility in the court of public opinion.
“Today is a victory for not only Coach Beaty but coaches everywhere,” he added. “Let this be a lesson to every institution watching. If you want to backtrack and dishonor your commitments, do so at your peril.”
Since his termination, the 49-year-old Beaty has served briefly as an offensive consultant at Texas in 2019.
