POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
41.6959-73.9221

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) — James Madison University officials say they didn't know basketball coach Matt Brady already had a contract with Marist College when they hired him.

At a hearing in the breach of contract lawsuit between Marist and Brady on Wednesday, JMU officials also said they didn't know basketball players he brought with him in 2008 were Marist recruits.

The Poughkeepsie Journal (http://pojonews.co/KsHl4E ) reports that Jeff Bourne, JMU's athletic director, didn't know there was a clause in Brady's contract that prohibited him from contacting the players.

Marist is seeking unspecified damages from Brady for taking the job in Harrisonburg, Va., without written permission soon after signing a new contract. He'd coached in Poughkeepsie since 2005.

JMU has agreed to pay Marist $100,000 to settle its part of the lawsuit.

The trial continues Thursday.