Former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang announced Sunday night that after being fired for cause, he intends to fight the decision.
But what does that look like? Is it really the right move, and does he have a case?
First, how did we get here?
Following the team’s 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, Tang went on a viral rant in which he said that his players did not deserve to wear the K-State uniform and said there would not be many of them wearing it next season.
In the following game against Houston on Saturday, player names were removed from the backs of the jerseys. Sunday evening, it was announced that Tang and the university parted ways parted ways ‘for cause’ because of his rant, meaning no buyout would be paid under the contract.
In a statement released last night through ESPN and Pete Thamel, Tang announced that he did not agree with the decision and intended to fight it.
Per ESPN sources, Jerome Tang plans to fight Kansas State’s for cause firing. He’s owed $18.67 million, per his contact, so this not surprising.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 16, 2026
Tang told ESPN in a statement: “I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the… pic.twitter.com/aZkFEUGiHd
“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” the statement read. "I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”
Tang also thanked his staff, the program and said he’s always acted in the best interests of the university and its athletes.
“I am grateful to the players, staff, and fans who make this program so special. I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.”
Is fighting the termination the right move?
Given the $18.67 million figure, the decision to dispute the university’s claims isn’t surprising. Anybody with resources would likely do the same.
And with how things have played out thus far, there is a case to be made but it’s going to be a long one.
In his contract, the wording was careful.
It reads that Tang “shall not engage in any behavior, actions, or activities that subjects coach, K-State Athletics, or the university to public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule, or scandal.”
Because what he said went viral, even catching the attention of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, there’s a case to be made by the university for “public disrepute” and “ridicule.”
No scandals have been reported involving the fourth-year head coach, and “embarrassment” is largely a case built on how the situation unfolded in the eyes of the athletics department.
What could make a case for Tang?
Following the game against Houston, Abdi Bashir Jr. also commented on what was said after the loss to the Bearcats, claiming that it was the right message and the team responded the right way to the criticism.
“I thought it was the right message, [and] I don’t think coach Tang said anything wrong,” Bashir said. “I think that people forgot why we’re here, and I think they responded the right way. Nobody took [any] hard feelings towards it.”
On the off chance that his former players are willing to stand up for him in court, there’s a chance that “embarrassment” might become something lighter. It all depends on how the university’s image is projected and the damages done, not just the team.
It’s a case that could get ugly quick, and will take a long time to reach a resolution if it goes the legal route.
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