...the Clippers for 4 mil. in backpay. The funny thing in the article is, the Clippers sued hom for breach of contract, stating that Fitch should have been looking for an NBA coaching job to void some or all of the 4 million owed to Fitch. Can you sue someone for that? Apparently. Fitch sues Clippers for $4 million in back pay! June 28, 2001 LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Bill Fitch, fired as Los Angeles Clippers coach in 1998, sued the team Thursday, seeking $4 million in back pay and deferred compensation. Fitch, 67, has not coached in the NBA since he was fired in April 1998 after a 17-65 record in his fourth season with the Clippers. In April, the Clippers sued Fitch for breach of contract, alleging he had a duty to try to get another NBA coaching job. Such a job would have voided some or all of the $4 million otherwise owed under Fitch's 1997 contract extension. In his countersuit filed in Superior Court, Fitch says he has tried and continues to try to get a head coaching job. He said he expects to become an NBA coach ``when the right opportunity develops.'' Fitch seeks $4 million placed in escrow until the case is resolved. A hearing is scheduled for July 19. ``The club's position is that it will prevail in this matter after the judge has had an opportunity to review all the facts,'' said Bob Platt, the Clippers' general counsel. Platt said it was clear in Fitch's contract that if he was terminated for any reason ``he expressly agreed that he would make a good faith effort to secure alternative employment, which he failed to do.'' According to Fitch's suit, he guided the Clippers to the playoffs in 1997 and received a two-year contract extension. The following season, Fitch was fired by owner Donald Sterling. ``Donald Sterling just can't help himself,'' said Brian O'Neill, one of Fitch's attorneys. ``He is known throughout the basketball community as being extremely reluctant to part with his money. This situation is no different. Sterling just can't stand paying Fitch for not coaching. He, therefore, sued Fitch, hoping that he would just roll over. Let me assure you, Fitch will not roll over.'' http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news/ap/20010628/ap-clippers-fitch.html ------------------ My doctor says I am bipolar. I am going to get a second opinion. I have never had intimate desires for polar bears.
I'm surprised the Clippers lawsuit hasn't been thrown out as a frivilous lawsuit! You can't sue somebody for not looking for a job! The Clippers signed a contract with Fitch, they decided not to honor it and let him go, they should give the guy his pay! ------------------ "Win if you can, lose if you must but always cheat!" - Jesse Ventura
This story is TOOO FUNNY!! Think about it, the Clips are not just suing a man for not looking for a job, BUT A 67 YEAR OLD MAN!! If I'm not mistaken, isn't 65 still the age for retirement. UNBELIEVABLE!! ------------------ [This message has been edited by Live (edited June 29, 2001).]
