Erickson Sues Employers

Coach Dennis Erickson has filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami, asking the school to pay for his legal fees from the Bryan Fortay case.

The fees stem from Fortay’s $10 million lawsuit against the university, alleging the school reneged on an oral contract that he would be the starting quarterback.

Fortay’s lawsuit also charges the university was negligent in hiring former academic adviser Tony Russell, who is now serving a prison sentence for his role in a Pell Grant scandal.

Although most of the counts in the original lawsuit were thrown out, a federal judge has ruled that Fortay’s lawsuit could proceed on two and possibly three counts. That allowed Fortay to refile the breach of contract portion of the case.

Erickson filed his lawsuit Dec. 30 in Dade Circuit Court.

University General Counsel Robert Blake would only say the amount of money Erickson is seeking is “substantial.”

Erickson was on the road recruiting and couldn’t be reached for comment.