Former California Baptist University basketball coach Richard “Rick” Croy has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, asserting that a $200,000 buyout clause embedded in his contract constitutes an unlawful restraint on his ability to seek new employment.
The clause obligates Croy to pay the sum if he departs for a competing institution before June 30, 2026, though it carves out exceptions for the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University and the University of Southern California. Croy contends that the provision should not be enforced against his recent appointment as associate head coach at Arizona State University.
Implications for Coaching Mobility
Croy’s legal argument centers on the claim that the buyout provision violates public policy by unduly restricting a professional’s right to change jobs. He maintains that the clause was not intended to bind him to his new role within the Big 12 Conference.
The lawsuit adds to a broader narrative of transition for the Lancers program, which is slated to join the Big West Conference next season, while Arizona State continues its tenure in the Big 12. Croy’s tenure at California Baptist was marked by 275 victories and multiple conference championships, underscoring the significance of the dispute for both institutions.