Ollie, UConn at Odds Over Released Documents

STORRS, CT — Lawyers representing deposed University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie are demanding a retraction from the school over documents released last week that detail interviews relating to an ongoing NCAA investigation.

Ollie's legal team from the firm of Madsen, Prestley and Parenteau said in a letter to UConn President Susan Herbst that the school violated Freedom of Information laws regarding "false claims."

UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said it was all part of what Ollie's Lawyers requested in the first place.

“UConn released the documents in direct response to a Freedom of Information request by Mr. Ollie’s own attorneys," she said. "Other parties, including the media, also requested and received these same documents as required by Freedom of Information Act in Connecticut. The FOIA, which governs public agencies such as the University, does not permit the selective release of public records to certain parties while denying those same records to others.”

According to UConn, Ollie's lawyers requested the following:

• All public records, documents, and communications relating to the decision to initiate the procedure to terminate the employment of Ollie with the University of Connecticut.
• All public records, documents, and communications relating to the factual basis for the university's determination that Ollie violated NCAA bylaws or otherwise engaged in behaviors that violate the terms of his contract American Association of University Professors contract, as stated in a March 10, letter from Athletic Director David Benedict to Ollie.
• Several transcripts of correspondence between Benedict and Ollie.

Ollie is owed more than $10 million under the terms of his contract through 2021, but UConn wold not have to pay him if there were "just cause" for his firing.

A representative of Madsen, Prestley and Parenteau did not immediately return an e-mail sent Thursday morning requesting additional comment.

The dispute over "just cause" for Ollie's firing is headed to arbitration. Herbst upheld the decision to let Ollie go on June 19.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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