Former MSU coach’s attorney reacts to settlement

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The attorney for former MSU head football coach Jackie Sherrill said his client is relieved to put a 15 year legal battle behind him with this week’s settlement in his lawsuit against the NCAA.

Sherill’s lawsuit alleged the NCAA damaged his reputation and hurt his future coaching opportunities after publicly naming him in allegations of recruitment violations in 2003.

Sherrill sued the NCAA in 2004 and this week the case was settled after jurors heard testimony about MSU’s recruiting practices under Sherrill.

Jim Waide represented Sherrill and says the case brings to light what he sees as troubling procedures regarding NCAA investigations.

“The rules are so vague, for example, to punish a university it has to be shown there has been a major violation, major infraction and the definition they give of a major infraction is so vague it would leave them free to choose any university and find violations, many people have commented to me that it would be absurd to think the NCAA could not go to any university and find rule violations.  Another problem is State and Ole Miss have such a hatred by some fans they turn each other in repeatedly for trivial things,” Waide said.

Terms of the settlement are sealed.  Sherrill works for a company that is looking at using stem cell technology to help former NFL athletes who have suffered concussions.