Tulane, Georgia, settle lawsuit over football scheduling

NEW ORLEANS - Tulane paid a $2,500 ``nuisance fee&#39;&#39; to settle a $1 million lawsuit which Georgia filed over three canceled football games, Tulane officials said Friday afternoon.<br> <br> Tulane said it canceled the games under a clause that Georgia had inserted in the contract for the two schools to play, but Georgia accused Tulane of fraud.<br> <br> After a series of depositions and court hearings, Georgia admitted it lost no money because of Tulane&#39;s cancellations and withdrew the fraud claims.<br> <br> Tulane asserted that Georgia in fact made more money than it would have had Tulane played the games.<br> <br> The first open date left by Tulane&#39;s cancellation was filled last season by Northwestern State, which accepted $50,000 less than Tulane to play in Georgia. The game still was a sellout.<br> <br> Tulane officials said they agreed to pay a small fee to avoid the expense of court, even though they expected the case would be ultimately dismissed.<br> <br> ``Tulane University believed from the very beginning that the suit was without merit,&#39;&#39; Tulane spokeswoman Debbie Grant said. ``It should never have been filed and it unfortunately, caused both institutions to unnecessarily expend financial resources on a frivolous matter.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Georgia public affairs officials did not return phone messages left Friday afternoon.