MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA - Former Crimson Tide football coach Mike Price, who filed a $20 million lawsuit against Alabama over his firing in May, said in an interview aired on ESPN Sunday he was treated badly by the university's president and was never told why he was fired.
``I don't think I was handled correctly by the university, and I think I was wronged by President (Robert) Witt,'' Price said in the interview on ESPN Sports Center.
Price said he was wrongfully fired after allegations arose about his conduct at a golf outing in Florida, where he attended a topless bar during a night of drinking. The lawsuit alleges Price was denied due process, his civil rights were violated, he was wrongfully terminated and the school committed a breach of contract and fraud.
University spokeswoman Cathy Andreen said Sunday night the university would have no comment on Price's comments in the interview.
Price wants $10 million in punitive damages and $10 million in compensatory damages from the university. He seeks the same amounts in a lawsuit against Sports Illustrated, which published an article detailing Price's alleged actions at the topless bar and hotel in Pensacola, Fla., that led to his dismissal.
Price had appealed his firing, but a faculty panel rejected his request for a hearing.
Price came to Alabama from Washington State after last season. He had a seven-year, $10 million contract to coach the Crimson Tide, but had not signed it when Witt fired him May 3.
The university hired Miami Dolphins assistant Mike Shula as its new coach May 8.
Wednesday
July 2nd, 2025
2:45AM
