Bret Bielema’s buyout set at $15.4 million
The buyout for fired Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema's contract has been set at $15.4 million.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette obtained a copy of the agreement between Bielema and the Razorback Foundation on Thursday under the state's open records law. The foundation's executive director said the agreement hasn't been finalized.
The buyout proposal matches an amount listed in Bielema's public employment contract with the university, which fired him on Nov. 24 after the team went 4-8. He had three years left on his contract.
The information was released after the Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge ruled that Bielema's contract with the Razorback Foundation had a high level of public interest.
"It seems beyond question that the public's interest in the record at issue is substantial," Rutledge said. "The subject matter has been intensely scrutinized by the media. And there is a very high level of public interest in documents bearing on the former employee's departure from the university — a level of interest that is understandable given his prominence and the importance of the matter in the local community."
Bielema's employment contract with the university included language saying the $15.4 million figure was to be plugged into a formula to determine the "total (buyout) payment," which the newspaper calculated would be nearly $6 million. But the copy of Bielema's agreement with the foundation doesn't mention a formula, and instead said "the amount specified ... shall be the total amount that will be paid."
The foundation is funded by donors supporting university athletics and is responsible for paying Bielema's severance.
Ohio State CB Denzel Ward sits out Cotton Bowl
Ohio State All-America cornerback and NFL prospect Denzel Ward did not play in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, and will not return for his senior season.
In a note posted on his Twitter account just before kickoff, Ward said it was a very difficult decision and that he did what was best for he and his family.
Ward was on the Ohio State sideline wearing his No. 12 jersey over a longsleeve shirt and in street pants. The No. 5 Buckeyes played No. 8 Southern California.
Ohio State said in a statement released at the start of the game that coaches were aware that Ward might not play, and that his decision wouldn't be made until game day. The junior had practiced with the team this week in Texas.
Tennessee running back entering NFL draft
Tennessee junior running back John Kelly says on his Instagram account that he is entering the NFL draft.
Kelly praised Tennessee fans via Instagram saying, “I want to thank you for all of your support through all of the highs and lows.” Kelly added that “I will always call Neyland Stadium home.”
Kelly was the top option this year for a Tennessee offense that lacked playmakers on its way to a 4-8 finish. The 5-foot-9, 205-pound junior from Detroit led the Volunteers in rushing and tied for the team lead in catches. He ran for 778 yards and nine touchdowns on 189 carries. He caught 37 passes for 299 yards.