KU Releases Statement About Beaty Lawsuit

Former Kansas football coach David Beaty says he is suing the school’s athletic department in federal court, alleging breach of contract and seeking $3 million he contends he is owed after he was fired in November.

The Jayhawks said they are withholding the money pending an NCAA investigation into possible rules violations by the former coach.

Beaty was let go with three games left last season but finished out the year to end his tenure with a 6-42 record in four seasons.

Beaty’s attorney, Michael Lyons of Dallas, says the contract guaranteed payment if Beaty was terminated without cause. Jim Marchiony, a Kansas associate athletic director, says the money is being held in escrow “in a show of good faith” pending the outcome of the NCAA probe.

Kansas hired Les Miles to take over the program.

Statement from Jim Marchiony, Associate Athletics Director, University of Kansas, regarding David Beaty’s lawsuit:

The University of Kansas is aware of a court filing submitted by attorneys of former Head Football Coach David Beaty. While the university typically does not comment on pending litigation, the nature of the current matter warrants further context.

Beaty was informed he would not be retained by KU on November 4, 2018, but would be able to coach the remaining games. Immediately following the end of the season, Kansas Athletics staff conducted standard exit interviews of all football coaches and staff, and through that process we learned of possible NCAA violations allegedly committed by Beaty. KU contacted the NCAA and the Big 12 Conference and began an investigation into the matter. Beaty refused to cooperate with the KU review and, ultimately, the NCAA took the lead in the still-ongoing investigation.

Due to the nature of the allegations, which, if true, would be in violation of the terms of Beaty’s contract, the university has withheld payment of money owed to Beaty pending the outcome of the NCAA investigation. In a show of good faith, the university has placed the full amount owed in escrow.

While disappointed in the court filing, the university is committed to seeking the truth and upholding our high standards of ethical conduct.