Fisher to consider his legal options

Former Michigan men's basketball coach Steve Fisher said he may file a lawsuit against the University in an effort to receive the remainder of his contract agreement.

In an interview published in The Detroit News published yesterday, Fisher criticized Athletic Director Tom Goss' handling of his firing and said he will move away from Ann Arbor.

Goss said Fisher has not mentioned the possibility of a lawsuit during negotiations thus far.

"I think (the contracts) are going well," Goss said. "Whatever his contract calls for is whatever we will end up doing. Maybe he said that to another reporter, but not to me."

Fisher could not be reached yesterday for comment.

Secretary and Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison said Fisher has not filed a lawsuit against the University.

"No lawsuit has been filed," Harrison said. "We said we would honor his contract and we have honored his contract."

Goss said that if Fisher takes another coaching position, the payment of his contract is not likely to be affected.

While the negotiations are going smoothly, Goss said, there is not a foreseeable date when discussions will conclude.

"I don't really have a time estimate," Goss said.

Responding to statements made by Fisher regarding the fairness of his firing, Goss said his decision was a just one.

"I was the one that (fired Fisher), so naturally I don't agree with those statements," Goss said.

Harrison said Fisher was an important member of the University.

"We've always valued Steve's contribution to the University," Harrison said. "We value his service and feel we have acted appropriately."

Law Prof. Beverly Pooley said lawsuits can be brought against employers for breaking contracts.

"If peoples' contracts have been terminated wrongfully they can sue for damages," said Pooley, adding that he could not comment on Fisher's contract.

Pooley said mitigating damages are a common complaint, when a worker can't earn an equal amount after being fired.

"Lawsuits are usually for damages, not for reinstatement," Pooley said.

Even when a contract is breached, Pooley said, it is not required that the employee receive the remaining salary.

"It isn't automatic that you get your salary for the remainder of the contract," Pooley said.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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