Ex-Basketball Coach Takes Legal Action Against Saint Augustine’s University: What You Need to Know

A former NBA player and basketball coach at Saint Augustine’s University, Clarence Brown, has filed a lawsuit against the school. He claims his contract was ended “without cause” and is seeking backpay.

According to court documents, the university terminated Brown’s position on December 14, 2024, citing a reduction in administrative staff. Brown had been coaching at the school since April 1, 2022. The decision to cut positions was part of a broader effort to reduce expenses, which included halving the staff. The school also discontinued its men’s basketball program sometime in 2024.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has suspended all of the university’s sports for the current school year, adding to the challenges faced by the institution.

In his suit, Brown alleges that he did not receive full pay for his last paycheck, claiming he is owed for three missing days of work. He is requesting $23,076.86 for those hours, as well as compensation for the remainder of his contract, which was set to end on March 31, 2025.

Brown’s employment contract states that the university can terminate employment without notice under specific circumstances, such as willful failure to perform duties or gross negligence. Brown disputes that his termination falls under any such category.

As of now, Saint Augustine’s University has not provided a comment regarding the lawsuit.

This situation highlights a larger trend in college athletics, where many institutions are facing financial strain. A recent survey by the NCAA revealed that many universities are cutting programs to balance their budgets. Experts suggest this shift could reshape the landscape of collegiate sports in the coming years, raising questions about the future of various programs and the athletes involved.

For more details on the NCAA’s findings and the financial challenges universities are grappling with, check the NCAA’s official report here.

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