KFDM COOP Posted April 3, 2008 Report Posted April 3, 2008 TSU set to name Harvey as new basketball coach Texas Southern University will introduce Tony Harvey as its new men's basketball coach Friday at an 11 a.m. news conference, according to two people familiar with the situation. Harvey coached as an assistant at Missouri from 1999-2004, helping the program to four straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. According to media reports, he left the school in 2004 after being accused of multiple NCAA rules violations, including giving cash to former guard Ricky Clemons and impermissible contact with recruits. He was then cleared of any wrongdoing in early 2006. Harvey has also had coaching stints with Southern and Eastern Michigan. The news comes as a surprise to Marty Shellist, the attorney for Kevin Granger, who was expected to replace Robert Moreland when the legendary coach completed his interim role on March 31. Shellist said Granger had entered a gentleman's agreement with the school and then-athletic director Alois Blackwell, but when new president John Rudley fired Blackwell on Feb. 12, Granger's deal went along with it. "It's clear that TSU has breeched its commitment to Kevin," said Shellist on Thursday afternoon. "There's only two ways that this can be worked out: either the school compensates him for damages or this can be taken to a court of law. Inaction is not an option in this case." Granger, who played at TSU from 1992-96 and had his jersey retired by the school, left Worthing High School last October to serve under Moreland. "Kevin is so committed and dedicated to the school that it is such a disappointment to hear that he won't coach TSU," said Shellist. "He had the support of professional athletes, students and the community that were excited about having him there." Granger's support was amplified by former Rockets guard and current TNT basketball analyst Kenny Smith, who took the time to blast TSU on a March 18 telecast. Harvey will end TSU's search for a full-time coach, which began when Blackwell fired Ronnie Courtney last July. Interim athletic director Johnnie Cole was out of town and was not available for comment.
Guest DickVitale Posted April 4, 2008 Report Posted April 4, 2008 I just left the news conference...he was crying tears of joy...Glad to see that he is getting another shot...He is a fantastic recruiter and a good person...I wish him luck at TSU.
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