Gilligan, Comley to Testify For Morris

[BrownEyedGirl]

This article is posted on the front page of uscho.com

http://www.uscho.com/news/2003/07/17_006837.php

"Former Vermont coach Mike Gilligan and current Michigan State coach Rick Comley are being brought in to testify on his behalf, according to a report in today's Watertown (N.Y.) Daily Times."

"Gilligan and Comley will brought in "so the jury can get a sense of what a hockey coach's duties and responsibilities are and that this is hockey, not synchronized swimming," said Morris' attorney, Jack Piasecki, to the Daily Times."

[Goldie Knight]

Thursday, July 17, 2003 11:30 PM

I noticed that the trial date is set for August 4, in Canton. This should be one of most interesting trials held in that village in years. I wonder how much impact and influence the sworn testimony of the Golden Knights will have on this case?

I thought that Mike Gilligan was the coach at UVM when that dreadful hazing incident occurred a few years ago. Is that correct?

Thank you, Brown-Eyed Girl, for providing the link for this article.

Folks, don't discount Tristan Lush as a leader of this senior class. He is another one of those Golden Knights who always plays with intelligence and integrity whenever he is on the ice. Believe me, Tristan is on the ice often too. I would be interested in learning if Tristan has played in every single Golden Knight game since he was a freshman. Does anyone have that statistic?

'Til next time.....have a great evening.

[BrownEyedGirl]

Goldie according to the Uscho.com here are Tristans stats: If I added correctly, you are right. He has played in every game since his freshman year.


Career Totals 108 19 36 55 7 2

108 games played, 19 goals, 36 assists, 55 points, 7 power play goals, and 2 short hand goals.

[BrownEyedGirl]

one more thing...goldie Gilligan was coach during the hazing incident at UVM.

http://uscollegehockey.com/news/1999/12/11_000848.php

[Goldie Knight]

July 18, 2003 8:10 AM

Brown-Eyed Girl,

WOW, I am impressed with your ability to retrieve all that information.

It is most unusual for any single Golden Knight to play in every game in three consecutive games. Therefore, Tristan must be doing a lot of things correctly for the coach to select him to play in each game. I know that even Erik Cole didn't play in every one of Clarkson's games during his three years at CU. In addition, Tristan has been healthy enough to play in every game. I have seen discouragement on his face, but I have never seen a display of poor temperament.

I honestly do expect Tristan will be chosen as one of the Golden Knights' leaders this upcoming season. And I don't know how anyone who personally knows Trevor Edwards could ever overlook him as a chosen leader. Trevor always tries his hardest each shift he is on the ice. Off the ice, he has to be considered Clarskon's Mr. Public Relations.

I am sorry to have drifted off the original topic of this thread, but one thing just leads to another.

And off the topic again, if you go to the Clarkson Athletics page and click men's hockey, you will be in for a special treat. There are a variety of photographs from last weekend's reunion golf tournament. It was fabulous to see the faces of so many former Golden Knights. Would anyone dare to venture a guess what on earth happened to Kent Huskins's hair?

Enjoy your weekend, folks.

[Goldie Knight]

Friday, July 18, 2003 11 AM

Oh dear, my first post today was BC (before coffee)

This post is AHC (after Hazelnut coffee)


Now my correction, if you will bear with me please.

My second sentence should have read, "It is most unusual for any Golden Knight to play in every single game in three consecutive YEARS."

And that apparently is what Tristan has done. Athletic talent runs in his family too; his brother is a semi pro baseball player.

CORRECTION COMPLETED ( I HOPE).

[petal]

ooooo this sounds like it's going to be an interesting trial. Ought to keep the town buzzing for awhile!

[Stemmer]

Unfortunately, I think this is going to get even uglier! Tech should have settled by now...even if they "win" the trial, the damage done continues...and continues...

I wonder if Denny Brown will be called back to testify?

[Goldie Knight]

Friday, July 18, 2003 12 noon

Rich,

It is my understanding after talking with the former president that he and Anne would be traveling and touring around the country for a while. He might not be able to be located, unless, of course, he has already been issued a subpeona.

What damage were you referring to, Rich, that done to Mark's reputation and subsequent inability to find another Division I coaching position? The Watertown Daily Times reported that Mark was in Maine and unavailable for comment. They evidently wanted him to respond to the fact that two college coaches were going to testify on his behalf.

By the way, those of you who have not yet viewed the pictures from the golf tournament on the Clarkson hockey home page might want to do so. One picture shows one of Clarkson's new recruits, along with some current Golden Knights. It must have been a fun time for those who participated. I just enjoyed seeing pictures of some of our former Golden Knights too.

[joecct]

I agree with Rich. This is going to get UGLY. I can see CCT trotting out witnesses claiming that MM was Bin-Laden incarnate, while Mark trots out witnesses that make Denny & the CCT adminstration look like Nixon White House operatives. In the end, a lot of people will be covered with mud and more will be left with bitter tastes in their mouths.

If Tech loses the suit and the damages are substantial, look for a long, drawn-out appeals process.

Personally, here's what I think MM gets:
Div 1 salary until 70 years old indexed on 3% inflation discounted at 1% to current year $. If he's making $200K / yr then he's going to get well over $5M, especially if the jury finds that MM's reputation has been damaged sufficiently that he can never get another Div 1 job.

I wonder if they'll trot out Mike Addessa??

Think we can interest CourtTV to cover the trial??

[ursaminor]

Originally posted by Joe
I wonder if they'll trot out Mike Addessa?? Joe, I can picture Mike Addesa trotting. Not a pretty sight. :D

[Stemmer]

Originally posted by ursaminor
Joe, I can picture Mike Addesa trotting. Not a pretty sight. :D

Ralph, any less pretty than you trying to skate? :D

Sorry, I couldn't resist...:rolleyes:

[Goldie Knight]

Saturday, July 19, 2003 9 AM

Today's newpaper stated that Clarkson's attorneys and Mark Morris's attorney, Jack Piasecki of Malone, presented arguments yesterday in front of Supreme Court Judge, Joseph Sise, who will preside at the trial set for August 4 in Canton. Mark Morris has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the University. James McGowan, the CU attorney from Syracuse, has made a motion of dismissal on behalf of the University. Mark had filed a breach of contract and defamation suit against Clarkson.

Jack Piasecki believes a jury should decide these factual issues. However, Clarkson's attorney indicated that Mark Morris's actions were "outrageous and unacceptable" and because he would not participate in the investigation, the University had to terminate him. The Clarkson attorney requested the judge to dismiss the lawsuit stating the University did not breach the contract or defame its former coach. He further indicated the case was not about hockey, probably inferring that it was based on the actions of the coach. It is Mr. Piasecki's feeling the confrontation on November 2 was not serious enough to merit firing the coach, in reference to the contract between CU and Mark.

And now we are aware that another coach has been requested to testify in behalf of Mark--it is none other than Joe Marsh from SLU. He will join Mike Gilligan of UVM and Richard Comley from Michigan State University, if the motion is approved.

The hearing lasted about three quarters of an hour, and Justice Sise declared he will rule on the motion within fourteen days.

Well, folks, this is my best attempt at paraphrasing. Enjoy your day.

[Pete]

Originally posted by Goldie Knight
Saturday, July 19, 2003 9 AM

Today's newpaper stated that Clarkson's attorneys and Mark Morris's attorney, Jack Piasecki of Malone, presented arguments yesterday in front of Supreme Court Judge, Joseph Sise, who will preside at the trial set for August 4 in Canton. Mark Morris has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the University. James McGowan, the CU attorney from Syracuse, has made a motion of dismissal on behalf of the University. Mark had filed a breach of contract and defamation suit against Clarkson.

Jack Piasecki believes a jury should decide these factual issues. However, Clarkson's attorney indicated that Mark Morris's actions were "outrageous and unacceptable" and because he would not participate in the investigation, the University had to terminate him. The Clarkson attorney requested the judge to dismiss the lawsuit stating the University did not breach the contract or defame its former coach. He further indicated the case was not about hockey, probably inferring that it was based on the actions of the coach. It is Mr. Piasecki's feeling the confrontation on November 2 was not serious enough to merit firing the coach, in reference to the contract between CU and Mark.

And now we are aware that another coach has been requested to testify in behalf of Mark--it is none other than Joe Marsh from SLU. He will join Mike Gilligan of UVM and Richard Comley from Michigan State University, if the motion is approved.

The hearing lasted about three quarters of an hour, and Justice Sise declared he will rule on the motion within fourteen days.

Well, folks, this is my best attempt at paraphrasing. Enjoy your day.

Can't hurt having someone with Coach Marsh's reputation on your side

[tbch13]

anyone heard which players are testifying?

[vicb]

The trial starts Monday. Wonder if either side will backdown? Should be very interesting.

[joe fan]

Neither side backed down. The opening statements were held yesterday afternoon, and the witnesses will start taking the stand this morning. There can be no winners. I'm amazed Clarkson's trustees let the case go this far. Regardless of the verdict, there can be no winners in this case.

[vicb]

Originally posted by joe fan
Neither side backed down. The opening statements were held yesterday afternoon, and the witnesses will start taking the stand this morning. There can be no winners. I'm amazed Clarkson's trustees let the case go this far. Regardless of the verdict, there can be no winners in this case.

Man I was hoping we could avoid this. I hope the schools lawyers are good ones. You never know with juries.

[Stemmer]

This is a real Lose-Lose. I do hope Mark gets some money though...Tech really blew it here both in the "impartial" investigation and by not settling before now.

I'm leaving tomorrow for a weeks' camping in Black Bear Country so I guess I'll get the details from y'all when I return.

Stay cool everybody! :D

[tbch13]

I know this question might be stupid to some, but I dont understand what the point of having Marsh or Gilligan or Comlet to testify? They werent there that day...and as we all know this has nothing to do with the sport of hockey but rather the incident...
i am not trying to start anything, i just dont get it in my mind:confused:

[MikeR]

I believe they will be used as background witnesses. Simply describing the contact nature of hockey during practice, a coach's participation, and how contact occurs during these pickup games.

excerpt from the uscho article....
Gilligan and Comley will brought in "so the jury can get a sense of what a hockey coach's duties and responsibilities are and that this is hockey, not synchronized swimming," said Morris' attorney, Jack Piasecki, to the Daily Times.

link
Morris Trial (http://uscho.com/news/2003/07/17_006837.php)


On a side note..I know I don't enjoy discussing either active topics on this forum.... (a) Clarkson going D-3 hockey or (b) Ex-coach's lawsuit. Suppose I could wait for the 2008 skiing roundtable :rolleyes:
Seems like a long time ago I was excited about the new season....

[Goldie Knight]

Monday, August 4, 2003 11:30 PM

Joe Fan,

You are the only person who has obtained information about this trial and posted it here on the Roundtable; the local news media has reported nothing that I could locate.

In regard the Clarkson Board of Trustees, it was THEIR collective decision to terminate Mark Morris. Former President Brown carried out the wishes of his supervisors when the termination was announced.

I expect we will all know a bit more about this trial soon.

[RSTuthill]

MikeR, on a side note:

Y'all come back, now, y'heah?

[MikeR]

I certainly will stop by the thriving metropolis of Willington for a slice of pizza, we could go see the Clarkson/UConn game in 2008? ;)

Edit: added link so you can order some for us


Willington Pizza House (http://www.willingtonpizza.com/)

[Bushwhacker]

Here's hoping for an equitable outcome. It's pretty obvious that Clarkson owes its former Coach something - although $15MM sounds like a lot.

A lot of time has passed, but I recall pretty widespread agreement on the Roundtable that at the least Clarkson's Administration handled this poorly. That's really what this trial should be about.

That being said, it does sound like Morris's lawyers are going into the whole severity of the initial confrontation with Schwan. I would have thought that they would ask these Coaches questions like "...in over 8,000 practices as a DI head coach, were you ever checked aggresively by a player..."

But judging from the quote attributed to Morris' lawyer, it sounds more like they are going to try to show that Morris' response was not that out of line - after all its hockey. I guess they'll still point out how unusual it is for a player to take a shot at a coach, even a hockey coach, like Schwan did. But it might be difficult for them to have it both ways. In other words, which is it, hockey or synchronized swimming?

I wish there were cameras in the courtroom, although I'd probably have to find a dive bar with an old satellite dish to watch it - this is still only College Hockey.

[tbch13]

bushwacker...what do you mean take a shot? i hate to drag it up again and the lawyer for Mr Morris seems to have missed the main point that the first "shrug" that Schwan gave him, Mark went over and told him that if he did that in a game, that he would be playing more. ...it will be interesting to hear what all the players playing in the shinny game are going to say about it as well....I would love to be there as well! ;)

I agree that Mark should get his remaining $$ from his contract though...that is for sure. However 15 million is something that he definitly does not deserve, at least in my eyes.

[Bushwhacker]

Tim,

I don't want to drag it up either.

You were there, I wasn't.

The only reason I posted on the topic was I find that their is an interesting irony between the original defense and what Morris' lawyer is saying now, and I wonder how they can make both arguments fly in the same trial. The original defense (as set forth by Joe Bertagna and me, among others) was that Morris was reacting to an unusually physical play from a player in pads on a coach in sweats. Now Mark's lawyer seems to be saying "...hey, its a physical game, and sometimes sticks get involved with necks and genitals" (I'm paraphrasing).

Anyway, keep us posted on any news coming out of the trial in the No. Country.

[joe fan]

mark was on the stand tuesday morning. His attorney called jim bunstone, mike walsh and joe marsh to the stand in the afternoon along with vp gary kelly. the trial will resume wednesday morning. the crux of mark's testimony was he was told by gary kelly on the tuesday after the incident that he was going to be terminated as a result of the incident with zach.

[fatbones333]

I'm not sure who posted the comment about nothing being in the local papers up until the very start of the trial, but I think if you investigate a little, the owner of the Watertown Times and Massena Observer is either on the board or was on the board of Trustees for Clarkson, a good way to control bad press for the school.

[fatbones333]

Tim, how can you say he doesn't deserve the money? I certainly don't condone what he did, but it would seem that they were just waiting for him to make any kind of mistake. I think that if you were faced with the fact of possibly having to terminate your coach, you would want the complete confidence that you did it fairly, so why would you hire your own law firm to conduct an "independent investigation". No one knows how this thing will turn out, but it will be intresting to see if this does go Coach Morris' way, how much they do award him. After not making it to the final 5 for the Vermont job and not even making the short list for Union, it certainly bodes his arguement that they have ruined his reputation and therefore any chance of coaching at the D-1 level any time soon.

[joe fan]

there were stories about the morris trial in the watertown and pdam papers this morning. im told the reporters from wpdm, the pdam paper and the watertown paper that have covered clarkson hockey for the past several years were all in the courtroom yesterday, and both tv stations from watertown were also there. i dont think there is a lack of press coverage.

[tbch13]

fatbones, i didnt say that he doesnt deserve money...i think CU should pay out his remaining contract. Are you trying to justify reasons why a D1 hockey coach that assualted a player should get 15 million dollars? i dont think anyone should get 15 million dollars for breach of contract or defamation when they assualted a player. As we said before, if this wasnt hockey, and just was a teacher hitting a student...no one would question the legitimacy of it.

Question to ponder for all of us...why would Mr. Morris want Walsh and Bunstone to testify when they NEVER SAW the incident. If i were a juror, their testimony would be crap because they werent there watching...however in the next sentence Mr. Bunstone says that he saw "Mr. Schwan come in from a different angle"...if he didnt see the incident, how would he know that. Better question: is Bunstone still working at Clarkson?

Another question: when is the defense taking the stand? does anyone know?

There is no question he was a good coach at one time and he did great things for Clarkson University...HOWEVER that is not the issue. The issue is the Nov. 2 incident when he lost control.

[Its over]

The lawsuit has been settled as of 9:45am and this whole mess is finally over. Morris recieved a large sum of money and would not settle until he had his day on the stand to say his piece. Thank god this mess is done and we can start winning some hockey games.

[tbch13]

wow...where did u read that?

[joe fan]

Talked to one of the reporters covering the trial. the case was settled before the testimony started Wednesday morning. jason lammers and michigan state's rick comley were in town to testify on morris' behalf, but they didnt need to take the stand. the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

[Bushwhacker]

did Jason Lammers see "the incident"?

[JR]

I hope the settlement money comes directly from Brown's retirement package.

[joecct]

Badly written, if you ask me. Professor Lowe is turning over in his grave right now.



Testimony got underway yesterday in the civil court trial of former Clarkson University hockey coach Mark Morris, who is suing the university over his dismissal last November. Morris reportedly testified about growing discipline problems among some of the players – including missed team meetings, practices and workouts; drinking problems; and undisciplined behavior on ice that actually began at the end of the 2001-2002 season. But university officials testifying yesterday said some of the players had met over Morris' conduct in a confrontation with player Zack Schwan, a meeting that never too place. Instead, the players went to the administration with their issues, which officials said were spinning out of control.

[Bushwhacker]

Wow...more than just badly written. Unfortunately, the sentence that attempted to describe the administration officials' testimony is completely unclear.

[Todd '86]

Here's a link to one of the Watertown Daily Times' takes on the trial

http://wdt.net/breaking_news_story.asp?story=2

Thankfully, this is over now and both the team and Morris can move on without anymore mudslinging. Good luck to Morris and thanks for the memories. Primarily, tho, LET'S GO TECH!!!! I for one cannot wait for October!

[Bushwhacker]

These quotes are from an AP News Story:

"Morris coached for 14 seasons at Clarkson, located in Potsdam, 126 miles north of Syracuse. Its team has the top winning percentage in men's hockey among Division I schools. He signed a six-year contract in February 2000.

He compiled a record of 306-153-42 and Clarkson made nine appearances in the NCAA tournament, including a Frozen Four berth in 1991.

Morris was the ECAC coach of the year in 1991 and 2001 and a finalist for national coach of the year in 1999."

"Over 14 seasons he had coached the team to one of the best records in Division I hockey."

...again, that's an AP news story...who said that nothing good would come out of this!?!

[MikeR]

USCHO story (http://uscho.com/news/2003/08/06_006846.php)

[JR]

Originally posted by MikeR
USCHO story (http://uscho.com/news/2003/08/06_006846.php)

That is a really good article.

And that tidbit about Roque made me even more thankful that Coach Roll got the job.

[B-Squared]

To echo JR: Really good piece by Wodon. Probably one of the best synopsis of the whole situation I have seen since it happened.

[vicb]

Absolutely a well written piece that pulled no punches. I don't think Roque or Morris will be breaking bread with Adam in the near future though :eek: .

[Pete]

Very well written and balanced, it points out the mistakes of all involved, not just the coach and not just the admin. Both were at fault here. Morris's mistakes and the admins very poor handling of the situation.


Posted this on another thread before I saw this one. Figured it fit in both

[Bushwhacker]

Great article by Wodon. I'm glad someone had the guts to say what needed to be said about all parties involved. I've been one of Mark's strongest supporters (still am) and even I can agree that some (maybe most) of that criticism is fair.

I think at this point everyone agrees that the administration used this incident to do what they had already wanted to do for a while. Wodon mentions this, but maybe not with enough emphasis. The fact is that, regardless of all of Mark's faults, he deserved to be fired with dignity at the end of a season. The administration used every minor problem that he ever had (many of which were typical of a lot of coaches) to make it seem as though the Schwan incident was not an abberation - which it was.

Wodon says, "Nevertheless, these other points are raised to point out that things had been festering for a long time and it was definitely for the best that the relationship between the two parties ended. It was sad it had to end so messy....." - I think I actually agree that it was time to separate, but I'd say it was a lot more than messy, and I for one hope that Mark's settlement was a big one. I don't want to see any University get away with that, even if it is my alma mater.

Wodon continues "...but it's best for everyone it's over, and now the public squabbling can be over too." I second that emotion.

Good luck to Coaches Roll, Dreschel & Houle. We're in good hands. LETS GO TECH!!!

[RPI]

Well said Adam!!!

You hit the nail on the head...

It has been coming for years...

Lets "ROLL" on !!!

[Pete]

Originally posted by Bushwhacker
Great article by Wodon. I'm glad someone had the guts to say what needed to be said about all parties involved. I've been one of Mark's strongest supporters (still am) and even I can agree that some (maybe most) of that criticism is fair.

I think at this point everyone agrees that the administration used this incident to do what they had already wanted to do for a while. Wodon mentions this, but maybe not with enough emphasis. The fact is that, regardless of all of Mark's faults, he deserved to be fired with dignity at the end of a season. The administration used every minor problem that he ever had (many of which were typical of a lot of coaches) to make it seem as though the Schwan incident was not an abberation - which it was.

Wodon says, "Nevertheless, these other points are raised to point out that things had been festering for a long time and it was definitely for the best that the relationship between the two parties ended. It was sad it had to end so messy....." - I think I actually agree that it was time to separate, but I'd say it was a lot more than messy, and I for one hope that Mark's settlement was a big one. I don't want to see any University get away with that, even if it is my alma mater.

Wodon continues "...but it's best for everyone it's over, and now the public squabbling can be over too." I second that emotion.

Good luck to Coaches Roll, Dreschel & Houle. We're in good hands. LETS GO TECH!!!

Well said. I support Morris too. It was probably time for a seperation, but it was handled very poorly. I also hope he got a good settlement

That being said, Good Luck to Coach Roll. Recruiting looks impressive for the late start and everything looks very good with his staff and attitude. I am sure he will right the ship within a couple seasons.

[Stemmer]

I know I'm late on this one folks but bear with me...just got back late last night from vacation.

Glad to see the mud slinging was finally somewhat minimized by a settlement...should have taken place months ago. Hopefully with this behind him, Mark can move ahead and again become the excellent coach he is...and should be again.

Tim, I think you still miss the point about the testimony of some of the witnesses.....not the "eye witnesses... in a case like this....and make no mistake, it WAS about more than what happened at that practice. The build up, the so called "independent" investigation, etc. Walsh, Bunstone, and the other coaches lined up to testify for Mark were character witnesses as well as being able to provide detail about what happens at a hockey practice.

Clearly Mark's reputation was damaged to some degree by the way the Univ handled the affair as well as by his own actions...do you not see that? To respond to that, having well respected guys like Joe Marsh, especially since Mark used to work for him, helps a lot. It's very common in cases of this type where a guy's character is in question. To bad Adam W let the admin off esy on this point, or perhaps he just didn't know the history that well.

It's never been as simple as just that one day's event....it hasn't been that simple since Denny Brown first started sharpening his knife... for his hockey coach...and largely for the entire athletics program at Tech.

I do agree that 15 Mil is way too much, but that was just posturing. And I said from day one I hope every penny of the settlement...AND the school's legal costs comes from Brown's retirement. Yeah, I know...fat chance!

[JustMyOpinion]

I just read the Adam Wodon article and must say that it is perfect.

Get on with the season!