Get Answers: Could Locksley be fired without pay?

Posted at: 11/23/2009 5:22 PM | Updated at: 11/24/2009 2:31 PM
By: Jeremy Jojola, Eyewitness News 4, and Kurt Christopher, KOB.com

University of New Mexico football coach Mike Locksley's season has included a discrimination lawsuit, a fight with another coach, and very little to celebrate on the field with a 1-10 record.  As the Lobo football season nears its end, many are questioning the status of Locksley's contract.

One viewer writes: "Can you obtain a copy of UNM football coach Mike Locksley's contract?  It would seem relevant to lots of Lobo fans whether or not he could be terminated without pay."

Eyewitness News 4's Jeremy Jojola filed a records request with UNM and obtained a copy of Locksley's contract.  Although university officials have made it clear that Locksley will remain the Lobos' coach until his contract expires in 2014, the contract appears to give the school an option to fire the coach if it wanted to.

Taxpayer money pays Locksley's $750,000 annual salary.  According to his contract, Locksley's duties are to coach the football team, but also include promoting the team and making public appearances.

Beyond Locksley's salary, the university agreed to provide "two courtesy cars for his personal use" and travel expenses for his wife to attend out-of-town games.  The UNM Athletics Department says these are common conditions in such agreements.

Getting to the viewer's question, Locksley's contract also has a "conduct of athletics personnel" clause.  It says the coach shall "act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times in promoting the honor, dignity, fair play and high standards associated with competitive sports."

The contract states the university can terminate the coach for "adequate cause" if the coach violates his obligations and for "conduct involving moral turpitude" - meaning the coach can be fired if the university feels he did something immoral.

As for whether Locksley could be fired without pay, the contract states the university would have to pay Locksley up to the date of his termination.

Despite Locksley's hardships both on and off the field, he stands to get a bonus if the Lobos can win their final game against Texas Christian University.  Locksley's contract awards him an extra $10,000 for any win against a Top 25 team.  TCU is currently ranked #4 in the country.  The Lobos are 44 point underdogs in the game.

 View Mike Locksley's contract obtained by Eyewitness News 4

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