Rich Rodriguez Ends the Fun By Agreeing to Pay WVU $4 Million

I'm sure Michigan and WVU fans are probably relieved that this is over, but I'm terribly disappointed.

West Virginia University says ex-football coach Rich Rodriguez has agreed to pay a $4 million buyout clause after breaking his contract.

That would settle WVU's lawsuit that had been set for trial this fall. WVU attorney Tom Flaherty says the tentative agreement was reached late Tuesday night.

The past few months have been a fun time to watch -- as long as you are on the outside. The depositions being taken then released to the public for mocking. Rodriguez's lawyer equating the buyout to "slavery" even as Rodriguez's present contract with Michigan just happens to have a $4 million buyout. Good stuff.

FanHouse never even got a chance to ~~mock~~ discuss the deposition of outgoing WVU President Mike Garrison talking about "Product Rodriguez." Instead it ends with a whimper. Not all depositions taken. The chance for more legal filings to accuse each other of broken promises, misused cell phones, shredded documents, and good vitriol dressed in legalese.

It remains to be seen if Rodriguez is paying the money himself or if Michigan and/or a wealthy donor is ponying up the money to end this before training camp opens in Ann Arbor.

UPDATE: It appears that Michigan will pay at least part of the money owed.

Sources today said Rodriguez will pay $1.5 million over a three-year span that begins in two-and-a-half years, with $500,000 due at the end of each 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Michigan will pay $2.5 million immediately, and additionally is expected to pick up Mr. Rodriguez's legal fees.