Coach Reggie Barlow Speaks Out After Firing

by WAKA Action 8 News

Coach Barlow not only coached at the school for eight years, but he graduated from the school as well.

He says he still loves ASU, but he has to do what’s right here. 

After signing a new three year contract with his first ever raise, Coach Reggie Barlow says he was already looking ahead to the 2015 season.

But now, after having his new contract rescinded and being asked to resign, Barlow is considering suing the school that’s been home for him.

“Coaches get terminated all the time. I understand that. Rarely do coaches get terminated after five consecutive winning seasons which has never been done. Rarely do coaches get terminated after you just signed a contract just three months ago,” said Barlow.

He says he worked with President Gwendolyn Boyd and interim Athletic Director Melvin Hinds for his new contract. He hadn’t received a single raise from the school and was the lowest paid head coach in the SWAC.

Now the board has decided not to renew that contract Barlow already signed.

And he says he hasn’t heard a single word from the president since he was asked to resign by interim AD Hinds. 

“I’ve not received one phone call conversation or anything from her. Even if she made a mistake, to say you know what coach, I made a mistake I went about this the wrong way. Even from Mr. Hinds,” said Barlow.

Barlow’s attorney plans on giving the school 30 days to fix the situation. If they don’t, he plans to sue the university.

“This is either an act of promissory fraud by these two individuals acting outside their scope of authority as representatives of the university or he has a valid legally binding contract,” said attorney Don Jackson.

Barlow’s contract is up at the end of next month, but he’s already cleared out his office.

He met with his players for what could be the last time earlier today.