Sunday update:
Statement from Texas A&M University Senior Associate Athletics Director Jason Cook:
“There is not a dispute between Coach Chavis and Texas A&M. The University stands behind its commitment to Coach Chavis to pay any buyout due to LSU. The issue is that Texas A&M disagrees with LSU that any buyout payment is actually due.”
Statement from Bryan attorney Bill Youngkin, who is representing John Chavis:
“Coach Chavis could not be happier to be the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He
looks forward to the start of spring practice on Monday and is excited about coaching the Aggies
this fall. Texas A&M was included in the lawsuit because it is an indispensable party and its
inclusion is necessary to resolve the dispute LSU has created.”
Saturday update:
A Baton Rouge newspaper reports LSU filed a lawsuit against John Chavis after the Tigers former defensive coordinator sued LSU and Texas A&M in Brazos County district court.
The Advocate also reported Saturday LSU issued a statement that it will seek dismissal of Chavis’s lawsuit because it was filed in Texas.
Click HERE to read the story from The Advocate:
Original story:
Newly hired Texas A&M football defensive coordinator John Chavis has filed a lawsuit against A&M and his former employer, LSU.
The lawsuit states Chavis is not obligated to pay LSU $400,000 for leaving. But if the court rules LSU is in entitled to liquidated damages, Chavis wants the judge to determine the amount and that Texas A&M is contractually obligated to make that payment.
The lawsuit quotes sections of the LSU contracts, but the paperwork does not include Chavis’s contracts with either LSU or Texas A&M.
Chavis is represented by Bryan attorney Bill Youngkin. The lawsuit was filed in Brazos County district court Friday during the noon hour.
After the media announced the lawsuit on social media, Brazos County’s online court records website crashed.
Texas A&M’s 12thMan.com athletics website includes a photo of Chavis on the football staff page but there’s no biographical information on Chavis’s individual webpage.
WTAW News e-mailed Texas A&M officials for comment, but as of Friday at 6 p.m. there’s been no reply.
Quoting a statement from LSU vice president for strategic communications Linda Bonnin, “LSU does not comment on pending litigation, but we intend to enforce our rights under the contract fully.”