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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:23 a.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2008

CFB: Clemson prez: No state funds in Bowden's buyout

The Associated Press

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson president Jim Barker has sent an e-mail to the school's faculty ensuring them the money to buy out football coach Tommy Bowden's contract won't come from state money or student fees, according to a newspaper report.

The Greenville News obtained the e-mail Barker sent earlier this week.

In the e-mail, Barker tells the faculty the $3.5 million paid to Bowden over six years will come from athletic department funds the school had in reserve when Bowden was signed to a contract extension last season.

The slowing economy has led state officials to warn Clemson and other universities they will likely face a midyear budget cut.

Bowden stepped down Monday. Athletic director Terry Don Phillips agreed to pay the buyout even though Bowden was not fired.