Both Ball State University and Tim Buckley said Tuesday they are ready to move on in the wake of an arbitrator's ruling against the former men's basketball coach.
Arbitrator Floyd Weatherspoon stated the university did not violate the terms of Buckley's contract when it reassigned him in March 2006 to a fundraising position. Therefore, the university does not owe him the nearly $150,000 he was seeking but must pay him $625 in litigation costs, Weatherspoon ruled.
"I'm disappointed and I respect [the decision] fully," Buckley said. "Anytime you go into an arbitration case you leave it in the hands of the arbitrator. We felt good about our case and we just have to move on now."
Ball State attorney Scott Shockley said he was pleased with the ruling. He also said Buckley's side didn't make a compelling argument during the arbitration case.
"We had a good case and I thought it was never a question that the university did the wrong thing," Shockley said. "It was pretty clear from the start that Ball State had the right to reassign him under his contract."
Weatherspoon's ruling was a binding agreement and no appeal can be made.
Buckley, who is currently an assistant coach at the Marquette University, was the head coach at Ball State for six seasons. Following the 2006 season, where the Cardinals went 10-18, he was reassigned and eventually resigned from the university before taking an assistant coach position at the University of Iowa.
In June, Buckley filed for arbitration claiming the reassignment at Ball State was a breach of contract because his education and experience didn't equal what would be required from him in the new position.
According to Buckley's contract with Ball State, he could be reassigned, but only to a position that was in "commensurate with his educational, training and experience." However, Buckley argued he had no prior experience in fundraising or sales and the reassignment violated his contract.
According to the arbitrator's report, Weatherspoon ruled the skills and experience Buckley obtained as a basketball coach made him suitable for a position as in fundraising because of his communication skills and ability to establish personal relationships.
"The arbitrator's findings verify that the university acted in accordance with our agreement," President Jo Ann Gora said in a press release. "The outcome demonstrates that the university is diligent in handling personnel matters appropriately within the letter of the law."
In addition, athletic director Tom Collins testified he had witnesses coaches at different universities successfully make a transition into fundraising, according to the arbitrator's report.
"I am satisfied with the outcome and am eager to start a new chapter in Ball State basketball with coach [Billy] Taylor," Collins said in a press release.
Collins declined to further comment on the situation when reached by phone Tuesday.
Buckley said he has no feelings toward Ball State and taking his case to arbitration was the right thing to do. He also said he has moved on with his life and is enjoying being a coach at Marquette.
"I enjoyed my time there and I'm happy to be in my new situation," he said. "I'm really happy here and my family is happy to be here," he said.
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