The Pennsylvania State University v. Robert H. Shoop: Suit Regarding Liquidated Damages in a Coach&#
On March 6, 2015, Penn State entered into an Employment Agreement (“Contract”) with Shoop to serve as the Defensive Coordinator for the Penn State football team. The Contract provided for a term of employment from January 8, 2015 through February 15, 2018. On January 10, 2016, Shoop resigned from his position at Penn State to accept the Defensive Coordinator position with the University of Tennessee. According to Section 6 of the Contract, Shoop agreed to pay a buyout, which included liquidated damages in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of Shoop’s remaining base salary. Following Shoop’s resignation, Penn State requested, in writing, that Shoop make the payment under the terms of the Contract. According to the Complaint, Shoop has failed and refused to do so. Due to Shoop’s purported failure to make payment in accordance with Section 6 of the Contract, Penn State filed a breach of contract claim seeking recovery of $891,856.00.