Former Tennessee Volunteers head football coach Jeremy Pruitt has filed a massive lawsuit against the NCAA.
In the lawsuit filed in DeKalb County, Alabama, Pruitt claims Tennessee and the NCAA conspired to make him the “sacrificial lamb” for rules violations that were taking place at the school before his arrival. He also alleged that the investigation that led to his firing was rigged against him so that Tennessee would not have to pay him the money he was still owed.
According to Pruitt, Tennessee was illegally paying players prior to his arrival, and that he informed athletic director Phillip Fulmer of that situation. Fulmer allegedly assured Pruitt that the issue would be handled.
Pruitt was accused of illegally making cash payments to players and their families totaling around $60,000. As part of the lawsuit, the ex-coach claimed that he was punished for giving players impermissible benefits after the United States Supreme Court had ruled that such benefits should be legal.
Pruitt is seeking $100 million in lost wages from the NCAA.
