Morris Brown to settle $10 million in fed debt

Morris Brown College is expected to settle nearly $10 million in debt for pennies on the dollar in an agreement pending with the U.S. Education Department.

In the April 7 letter, obtained by The Associated Press, the Education Department said it will forgive more than $9.4 million in debt, provided Morris Brown pays the remaining $500,000. The deal would help the college overcome a major hurdle in its efforts to regain accreditation.

Morris Brown College President Stanley Pritchett said the settlement agreement could be finalized as soon as May 1 and that the payment would be due within 90 days of the signed deal. The letter, signed by Department of Education counsel Russell B. Wolff, says the agreement must also be approved by the Department of Justice.

Former SU athletic director files suit

Former Southern University Athletic Director Greg LaFleur, who was fired three days after his April 3 arrest on a misdemeanor prostitution count in Houston, is suing the school for breach of contract.

LaFleur contends in a lawsuit that Southern fired him “before giving him written notice and an opportunity to refute the alleged cause’’ for his termination.

LaFleur is seeking damages, including his base salary for the remaining term of his contract, which he says was to expire June 30, 2013.

The suit was filed Thursday in Baton Rouge state court.

Yarbrough out at SSU

The Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia has voted not to renew the contract of Savannah State University President Earl G. Yarbrough yesterday. The Regents did not give a reason for its decision and held deliberations behind closed doors.

Yarbrough is a finalist to lead Southern University Baton Rouge.

The 64-year-old Yarbrough received the highest ranking among candidates for the Southern University post and is expected to be interviewed later this week, along with five other candidates.

Southern fires AD following arrest

Southern University Athletic Director Greg LaFleur was fired Wednesday following his arrest Sunday night on a misdemeanor prostitution count in downtown Houston.

SU Chancellor Kofi Lomotey announced LaFleur's dismissal in a university news release Wednesday night, a little more than 72 hours after the 52-year-old LaFleur was arrested during a prostitution sting.

Lomotey said his decision to fire LaFleur, who was hired in 2005, is one that had to be made - and made quickly - for the overall stability of Southern's athletic program.

He said the school will launch a nationwide search for a new athletic director.

LaFleur, a former LSU and NFL tight end, was attending the NCAA men's Final Four in Houston last weekend seeking potential candidates for the va-cant SU basketball job.

Houston police said LaFleur was arrested at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. According to the criminal complaint filed by Houston police, LaFleur is accused of so-liciting a person to engage in "sexual intercourse for hire."

After his arrest, LaFleur was taken to the Harris County Jail. He was released on a $500 bond at noon Monday and is scheduled to appear in the Harris County Criminal Court on April 11.

Attempts to reach LaFleur on Tuesday and Wednesday were unsuccessful because the voicemail on his cell phone was full.

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Xavier U of LA to construct new 4,500 seat arena

Xavier University of Louisiana announced plans last week to construct a 4,500-seat Convocation Academic Center that will serve as the home for XULA athletics and other large campus events. Construction is expected to begin in May with anticipated completion in summer 2012.

The Convocation Academic Center also will contain classrooms, offices and meeting spaces. A regulation-size auxiliary basketball court also will be included to add flexibility in scheduling practices for the basketball and volleyball teams.

"This new arena will be a tremendous addition for Xavier athletics," XU Athletics Director Dennis Cousin said. "It will upgrade our already excellent programs and take them a notch higher. It will be a big boost to us in recruiting."

"There also are plans to construct tennis courts in the near future not far from the Convocation Academic Center," Cousin said. "This will give our nationally ranked tennis teams the ability to not only practice on campus but to also host dual matches, something we haven't done in decades."