Two months after Kansas State University dismissed former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang “for cause,” the school has revised how it defines such terminations in future contracts.
The updated contract for new head coach Casey Alexander—worth $17 million over five years—includes more detailed language outlining what qualifies as grounds for dismissal “for cause.”
While some of the conditions remain similar to those in Tang’s agreement, the new version adds clearer definitions of misconduct. These include behavior that fails to meet professional standards, harms the university’s interests, involves abusive or disrespectful treatment of others, damages the institution’s reputation, spreads false or misleading information, or violates policies related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Tang was fired after making widely circulated comments suggesting players no longer deserved to wear the team’s uniform following a heavy loss to Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball. Athletic director Gene Taylor determined that those remarks were damaging to student-athletes and embarrassing for the university.
By terminating Tang “for cause,” K-State aims to avoid paying his $18.7 million buyout, which would have applied if he had been dismissed “without cause.” However, Tang’s legal representatives plan to challenge the decision and seek compensation. Although no lawsuit has been filed yet, a legal dispute or possible settlement may follow.
