Former basketball coach sues Saint Augustine’s University

A former NBA player and head men’s basketball coach at Saint Augustine’s University is suing the school.

Clarence Brown claims the school ended his employment contract “without cause” and also wants backpay.

Court documents show the university cut Clarence Brown’s position December 14, 2024, “due to a reduction in administrative staff positions.” He had been in the position since April 1, 2022.

The school slashed its staff in half late last year to reduce its expenses.

It also discontinued its men’s basketball program “at some point during 2024,” according to court documents.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) suspended all sports competition for the university through the end of this school year.

The lawsuit says the university failed to pay Brown through the end of the contract and did not pay him in full on his last paycheck for all of the hours he had worked.

Brown claims he was missing three days of pay on his last paycheck.

He is asking for $23,076.86 for those missing hours, plus his salary for the remainder of the contract, which would have ended March 31, 2025.

Brown’s employment contract reads: “The University may terminate your employment and this Agreement immediately without notice at any time for ‘Cause.’”

Cause is defined as:

·         Willful failure to perform duties

·         Gross negligence or willful misconduct

·         Violation of the university’s policies

·         Conviction of certain crimes, including fraud or embezzlement

·         Breach of contract

Brown argues his termination came without cause.

Saint Augustine’s University did not immediately respond to requests for comment.