I have been able to confirm that RJ was indeed told that a reliable source with knowledge of the contract and the negotiations said the buyout info was inaccurate and fabricated. RJ accurately and truthfully relayed this information. To that extent, he is exactly right.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I had sources whom I trust inform me that the buyout was the obstacle and that DM continued to refuse to negotiate a lower amount. The decision was made to terminate DM “for cause“ and not pay any buyout. The strategy was that we could hire a new HC and DM could then opt to seek legal recourse, resulting in more fruitful (and confidential) pretrial negotiations once he realized stonewalling wouldn’t keep his job and paycheck.
Ultimately, none of us were on those calls and we can only trust what we were told by reliable contacts. RJ accurately relayed the information that he was given by a very credible source.
IMO this whole situation has become overblown and somewhat nasty. Disagreements are fine. Personal attacks are not. The bottom line is DM is gone, we have a great new MBB HC for the first time in over a decade, and Demon Deacon basketball is on the upswing. Deacon fans all want the same thing. I just wish we could find it in our hearts to show a little more compassion to each other and and strive to be the first to end an argument, not the one to perpetuate it. Let’s put this puppy to bed. Be safe friends!
