Edgar says Southeast to buy him out

Scott Edgar said Tuesday night that he received a letter that morning notifying him of Southeast Missouri State's plan to buy out the remainder of his contract as the university's men's basketball coach.

Edgar was in the third year of a five-year contract when he was placed on administrative leave by the university in October for alleged NCAA violations.

Edgar said the letter, signed by Southeast president Ken Dobbins, arrived at his home via FedEx. He said he had no contact with the Southeast administration the rest of the day.

In a statement issued through one of his attorneys, Stuart L. Brown of Atlanta, Edgar expressed disappointment in the university's actions.

"I am extremely disappointed by SEMO's actions to buy out the first five years of my coaching contract," Edgar said. "Since the start of the current NCAA investigation of the university, I have always said that the charges that I knowingly broke NCAA rules are false and that I look forward to returning to coach the men's basketball team to success.

"I have never approached the university about any type of contract buyout in any way whatsoever, because all I have wanted is the chance to clear my name and then resume working with the players and coaches I care about so much. I am extremely disappointed that the SEMO administration does not want to allow me that fair chance through the normal NCAA process.

"During my time at SEMO, I have been fortunate to make new friends and to enjoy the encouragement of many Redhawks fans. I have particularly enjoyed my time with my players. I wish them and the current coaching staff the very best."

Brown said the letter informed Edgar that the university intends to send him a check for the remaining amount of his contract, which would total about $325,000, according to Brown.

Brown said the letter was dated Dec. 29.

After Edgar was placed on administrative leave while retaining the title of head coach, second-year assistant Zac Roman was named acting head coach.

The NCAA's letter originally sent to the university alleged five infractions specific to the men's basketball program since Edgar was hired before the 2006-2007 season.

The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions is scheduled to hear the case against Southeast in April.

Edgar posted a 23-39 record in his first two seasons at Southeast, including 12-19 last year.

The 2007-2008 Redhawks got off to an 11-5 start -- 6-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference -- before losing 14 of their final 15 games.