Cottrell Case Ends

[DKW 86 7,441]

Culpepper loses $30M Case, NCAA found guilty of nothing, NCAA pays nothing.

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"We just felt there was a lot of evidence for the plaintiff," foreman Santina said.

The jurors did not have the opportunity to render a verdict either way against the NCAA, after Ivy Williams claims against the NCAA were thrown out earlier in the week, but the jurors had formed an opinion about the NCAA's role in Cottrell and Williams' claims.

"I was disappointed that Mr. Williams' case was removed, particularly against the NCAA," Santina said.

Another juror, Wade Dailey, said there was never any disagreement on the jury as to Culpepper's liability.

"From the starting point it was pretty unanimous whether Mr. Culpepper was guilty or innocent of the defamation,"   he said. "I hope it helped. I think (Cottrell's) reputation was built over a lifetime and it was destroyed in a short time. I don't know if he will totally get it back, but I hope this helps."

"I felt like the NCAA was somewhat responsible for what happened to both coaches. I think a majority of the jury felt similar to me on the NCAA's involvement in regards to Mr. Cottrell and Mr. Williams. I will say I was disappointed that the NCAA was dismissed from the case on Wednesday, but I don't know all the facts about it."

Delaine Mountain believed the verdict amount was the largest ever from a jury in a civil matter in Tuscaloosa County. Mountain said he intends to continue his pursuit the NCAA on an appeal.

"We'll be back on our pursuit of what's going to happen next and what's going to happen with the NCAA."

"They're out of our reach in this case in this courtroom, but they are not out of our reach," Mountain said.

Ronnie Cottrell said, "We still feel like there is more work to do as far as - I'm going to leave that to my attorneys. I've got a job to do at Ozark."

"All I ever asked for was a jury trial. Yes, I do (feel I got my reputation back.)"

Mountain also had a message for former assistant Williams, who had his part of the case thrown out on Wednesday.

"Don't give up Ivy, because we're not through," he said.

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

It's not over. This will be appealed with a good chance of being overturned. The judge made more mistakes than someone who decides to go to UAT