Ronny Thompson update

It is now being reported that there was a clause in Ronny Thompson's contract that may require him to pay Ball State University $175,000. According to a story on BSU Daily News, Thompson will owe the university the "amount equal to his annual base salary for the contract year in which such termination occurs." Thompson's base salary was $175,000 in his first year, which ran from April 4, 2006 to March 31, 2007. Thompson would have made $181,000 in his second season at Ball State.

Tony Proudfoot, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communication at Ball State, says "there will be no buyout" of Ronny Thompson's contract. Athletic Director Tom Collins also said it is very likely that Thompson will owe Ball State a "large chunk of money." These statements make me think that Ronny Thompson's departure was anything but amicable.

The BSU Daily News goes on to state that there is another provision in Thompson's contract that would possibly allow Thompson to resign without penalty if "any cause of hostilities" beyond Thompson's control is brought against him or his program. It is thought by some that the anonymous notes containing racial slurs against Thompson may be considered a "hostility."

Something just doesn't seem right about this whole situation. I'm really starting to think there may be some truth to the rumors about Thompson being behind the anonymous letters. $175,000 would be a pretty good motive if you ask me.