Canceling game vs. BYU will cost Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak $80K
Another college basketball rivalry was put on hold last week.
Utah recently announced that it had decided to cancel the 2016 matchup with in-state rival BYU, citing several incidents that occurred the past three seasons; the most recent taking place on Dec. 2, when BYU guard Nick Emery was ejected for punching Brandon Taylor.
On Monday, Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak defended his decision to scrap next year's matchup. The cancellation of the rivalry game was shocking, and for Krystkowiak, it will be costly, according to Kyle Goon of the Salt Lake Tribune.
Last week, ESPN reported that Utah's buyout in the contract was $80,000. [Utah athletic director Chirs] Hill said Krystkowiak "was involved in making a commitment personally on that" in his discussions with Hill and Pershing over the weekend. The school later confirmed Krystkowiak was paying the buyout on the contract and paid the first installment on Monday.
Emery was reprimanded by the West Coast Conference for his actions against Taylor, serving a one-game suspension. In a statement issued by BYU, Emery apologized to Taylor, Krystkowiak and the Utes.
BYU holds a slim 129-128 edge of Utah in the all-time series. The Utes have won three straight, including an 83-75 victory on Dec. 2.
(h/t Salt Lake Tribune)
