Baton Rouge, LA – One day after spring practice got underway at Grambling State last week, football coach Doug Williams sued the university, claiming the school has reneged on portions of his contract.
Williams filed the suit in state court Friday, according to the Associated Press, claiming he and his staff were not paid promised bonuses for leading last year's team to the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.
Williams claims when he returned to Grambling State last February for a second stint as the football coach, he agreed to a contract that included a guaranteed salary and performance bonuses. The suit said Williams was told by the university that the money will be paid if he signs a reduced contract.
The suit adds the University of Louisiana System governing board did not vote on Williams' contract as required by law.
Grambling State, university president Frank Pogue and the UL System were listed as defendants. The suits asks for damages equal to what Williams would have earned under his unapproved contract, plus punitive damages.
Williams is directing Grambling State through spring practice. The Tigers finished with an 8-4 record last season, with Williams' freshman son, D.J., taking over as the starting quarterback.
The former Grambling State star quarterback posted a 52-18 record when he succeeded the legendary Eddie Robinson as the Tigers' head coach from 1998-2003.
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