It's no surprise that Tennessee would insert a clause in Cuonzo Martin's contract voiding the deal if the Vols' new coach violates NCAA rules the way his predecessor Bruce Pearl allegedly did.
What's more interesting is that Martin also will have some protection if Pearl's mess results in NCAA sanctions.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel obtained a copy of Martin's memorandum of understanding with Tennessee, the preliminary version to a final contract that both sides agreed to upon his hiring on March 27. The first page of the four-page document includes the following paragraph guaranteeing that Martin's five-year contract will be extended an extra year for every year the program is under NCAA restrictions as a result of Pearl.
If, as a result of currently pending NCAA proceedings, the men's basketball program (a) receives NCAA restrictions on recruiting in addition to those already self-imposed by the University; (b) banned from postseason play; or (c) incurs a reduction of one or more scholarships, then the initial term of employment will be extended year-for-year based upon the number of years the University (a) receives NCAA restrictions on recruiting in addition to those already self-imposed by the University; (b) banned from postseason play; or (c) incurs a reduction of one or more scholarships. In the event that any additional year(s) are added, the terms applicable to those additional year(s) will be the same as in year five.
The firing of Pearl will probably protect Tennessee from heavy NCAA sanctions, but it's likely the Vols will still be penalized.
The most serious charge against Pearl stems from him violating NCAA rules by hosting recruit Aaron Craft at his home and then lying about it when confronted by investigators with photographic evidence. Pearl and his staff also allegedly made a total of 96 impermissible phone calls to recruits over a 24-month period and met in person with recruits when it was not allowed.
The ultimate determination of Tennessee's fate won't come until at least August because that's the soonest the NCAA can hand down its punishment. Tennessee has until May 21 to respond to the NCAA allegations and school officials will participate in a hearing in front of the NCAA Committee on Infractions on June 10 and 11.
If Martin lands Tennessee in any NCAA trouble during his tenure, he risks losing his job. While Martin would receive 60 percent of his base salary of $1.3 million� for however many years remain on his contract if he were fired without cause, Tennessee would not owe him anything if he were fired with cause.
Jennifer Morrison Adrianne Palicki Amanda Righetti Michelle Branch Melissa Howard
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