MINNEAPOLIS (CN) - An assistant basketball coach says he quit his $200,000 a year job at Oklahoma State University when University of Minnesota head coach "Tubby" Smith offered him a similar position in Minnesota, and that Smith then pulled the job offer at the last minute.
James R. Wiliams claims he had a stellar career as an assistant coach and recruiter for OSU. According to his federal complaint, in March 2007 Smith offered him a job as Minnesota's assistant coach and recruiter at $200,000 a year.
Williams says he accepted the offer, put his home on the market, and quit his job at OSU. He says that Smith never told him that the deal had to be cleared by Minnesota's Athletic Director Joel Maturi.
In April, as recruiting season began, Williams says Smith told him that Maturi was questioning his record involving disputed NCAA allegations from the 1970s and 1980s.
Williams says he tried to speak with Maturi but was never given the chance.
In May, Williams says he received a letter informing him that the position had been filled.
He sued Orlando Henry "Tubby" Smith individually, alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and tortious interference with contract. Williams is asking for damages in excess of $50,000. He is represented in Hennepin County Court by Richard Hunegs.
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