Tennessee still paying $75,000 a month to “suspended” AD John Currie

Tennessee has two athletic directors and is paying both a pretty penny.

There’s legendary former head coach Phillip Fulmer, who of course is the acting AD making decisions and responsible for the running of Vols athletics on a day-to-day basis. Then there’s John Currie, who was seemingly fired as AD back in December as the result of the meandering and controversial football coaching search but has officially been on paid suspension by the school the past three months.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Currie’s status remains unresolved but he and Tennessee could eventually come to a settlement. At the moment though, he’s still getting paid to the tune of $75,000 a month for sitting at home. What’s even more eye-opening is the fact that if the school eventually winds up firing the UT alum he would actually be owed even more than what he’s getting while being simply suspended:

In a bit of contract wizardry on Currie’s end, he would be owed more money if UT fired him without cause than he’s earning under paid suspension. His buyout calls for him to be paid $100,000 a month — a rate of $1.2 million annually — if he’s terminated without cause. He’s earning $75,000 a month while on paid suspension.

Lots of folks talk about how revered ‘SEC speed’ is on the field but given how things are playing out at Tennessee and other places, perhaps ‘SEC buyouts’ will hold a similar status when it comes to mythical off the field status. We’re sure the Vols would love to resolve this situation quickly but getting around to things they should have taken care of long ago does not appear to be a strong suit for the school judging by what’s still up outside Neyland Stadium.