Mediator will rule on the $400k with JJ's contract

HA Note: "Clyde Matsui, who helped settle the Bishop Estate trustees conflict and several other high profile issues, begins hearing the contract dispute between the University of Hawai'i and former head football coach June Jones today. Under terms of Jones' last contract with UH, the parties were to go to "final and binding arbitration" to settle the differences arising out of UH's demand for liquidated damages following his departure for Southern Methodist University in January."

About going to mediation over JJ's contract dispute, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"Jones requested, and the Chancellor (Virginia Hinshaw) agreed to, mediation prior to a 'final and binding arbitration.' If the parties cannot resolve the matter in mediation, then the parties will proceed to arbitration." (HA)

Takayama said that Matsui was chosen as the mediator and:
"a pre-mediation meeting is scheduled for (today). Mediation begins on June 9." (HA)

HA Note: "Matsui, 60, a prominent attorney, is a UH graduate and Warrior sports fan."

About his stance on the contract dispute, JJ's agent Leigh Steinberg said:
"We had an explicit agreement with (ex-athletic director) Herman Frazier that, after three years, there would be no penalty if coach Jones were to leave the university. If that were not the case, coach Jones would always honor a contractual obligation." (HA)

HA Note: "Moreover, Steinberg said he has e-mails reaffirming the agreement. UH has claimed the original contract is unchanged with no record on file allowing an early exit without liquidated damages. Frazier was terminated a day after Jones' departure to SMU. UH notes the contract "...may be amended only in writing signed by both parties." The contract says an arbitrator's fee will be shared and each party is responsible for their own attorney fees."