Tue Jan 29 14:10:09 2008

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Former WVU coach Rodriguez files for $1.5 million letter of credit

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Clarksburg, WV (Sports Network) - Former West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez has filed for a $1.5 million letter of credit, acknowledging that's the maximum he owes to the university after leaving for a job with Michigan.

According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Clarksburg, Rodriguez's credit is valid for 90 days and he was filing it "in the spirit of compromise and as an act of good faith to assure West Virginia University that if this Honorable Court makes an award against Defendant said monies will be paid."

West Virginia University sued Rodriguez to recover a $4 million buyout from his contract. Rodriguez left West Virginia for Michigan and was introduced as head coach of the Wolverines on Dec. 17 to replace the retiring Lloyd Carr.

According to reports, the lawsuit charges that Rodriguez breached his contract with the school by taking the coaching job with the Wolverines. The lawsuit reportedly said Rodriguez left WVU "voluntarily" to take the job at Michigan and, therefore, he did not meet the terms of departure of his contract. Apparently, those terms include only his death, disability or permanent retirement.

During his tenure at WVU, Rodriguez went 60-26, and that includes three straight 10-win seasons, and two BCS bowl trips.