LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS - Arkansas tells Nolan Richardson's lawyer the school replaced the basketball coach because it lost confidence in his ability to run the Razorbacks' program. <br>
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According to correspondence released Wednesday, Chancellor John White and athletic director Frank Broyles believed Richardson's remark that ``they can pay me off and I'll be on my way'' would upset fans and hurt the program. It's all contained in a letter university lawyer Fred Harrison wrote to Richardson attorney John Walker. <br>
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Under a request made under the state Freedom of Information Act, the university provided copies of correspondence among the parties to The Associated Press. <br>
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Harrison says Richardson was released after saying privately and publicly that he wanted the school to buy out his contract. <br>
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Harrison also said the coach was not entitled to a reason for dismissal under provisions of the contract. But he gave him one anyway, echoing previous statements that Richardson asked to have his contract terminated despite public statements that he wanted to stay as coach.
