ILLEGAL: Kansas State FIRES Jerome Tang But REFUSES To Pay Buyout, Battle Over NIL, Transfer Portal

On February 15, 2026, Kansas State University officially fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang "for cause," a move that sent shockwaves through the Big 12. While the team’s dismal 10–15 record (1–11 in conference play) provided the backdrop, the legal "cause" stems from a viral postgame tirade that the university claims violated specific "public disrepute" clauses in his contract.+1 The "Uniform" TiradeThe breaking point occurred following a humiliating 91–62 home loss to Cincinnati. In a press conference that immediately went viral, Tang eviscerated his own players, stating:+1 "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university, I'm embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous."  Athletic Director Gene Taylor cited these comments and the subsequent national ridicule—including heavy criticism on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption—as the primary drivers for the "for cause" designation. Taylor argued that Tang’s conduct failed to support student-athletes and brought "embarrassment and ridicule" to the institution.+1 The $18.7 Million StandoffThe "for cause" label is a strategic financial maneuver. If Tang were fired without cause, K-State would owe him a massive $18.675 million buyout. By firing him for cause, the university is attempting to void that payment entirely.+1 Tang has already fired back, releasing a statement through his legal team:  Contradiction: Tang "strongly disagrees" with the characterization of his termination.  Integrity: He maintains he always acted with integrity and in the best interest of his players.  Legal Battle: Sources indicate Tang plans to fight the designation in court to recoup the nearly $19 million owed.  The Fall from GraceThe firing marks a steep decline from Tang’s first year (2022–23), where he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight and was named Naismith Coach of the Year. Since then, the program has stagnated, culminating in this season's 1-11 Big 12 start and fans showing up to Bramlage Coliseum with brown paper bags over their heads.+1 Associate head coach Matthew Driscoll has been named interim head coach while the school begins a national search for Tang's replacement.Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.