Kent State Univ. v. Ford , 2015 Ohio 41 ( 2015 )

[Cite as Kent State Univ. v. Ford, 2015-Ohio-41.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
PORTAGE COUNTY, OHIO
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, : OPINION
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
CASE NO. 2013-P-0091
- vs - :
GENE A. FORD, et al., :
Defendant-Appellant. :
Civil Appeal from the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2011 CV
00511.
Judgment: Affirmed.
Lawrence R. Bach, William G. Chris, and Rodd A. Sanders, Roderick Linton Belfance
LLP, One Cascade Plaza, 15th Floor, Akron, OH 44308 (For Plaintiff-Appellee).
Susan M. Audey and Benjamin C. Sasse, Tucker, Ellis, L.L.P., 950 Main Avenue, Suite
1100, Cleveland, OH 44113, and Frederick Byers, 414 North Erie Street, 2nd Floor,
Toledo, OH 43604 (For Defendant-Appellant).
DIANE V. GRENDELL, J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Gene A. Ford, appeals from the judgments of the
Portage County Court of Common Pleas, granting summary judgment in favor of
plaintiff-appellee, Kent State University, on its claim for breach of contract, and
awarding damages against Ford in the amount of $1.2 million. The issues to be
determined in this case are whether a contract with a liquidated damages clause is
unenforceable when it requires a breaching university coach to pay his salary for each
year remaining under the contract, when there is limited evidence of actual damages,
and whether damages in such a case can include only the salary of a replacement
coach. For the following reasons, we affirm the decision of the lower court.
{¶2} On April 26, 2011, Kent State filed a Complaint against Ford and Bradley
University, asserting that Ford, the former head coach of the men’s basketball team at
Kent State, breached his contract by terminating his employment with Kent State four
years before the contract’s expiration and commencing employment with Bradley
University. Count One raised a claim for Breach of Contract, based on Ford’s unilateral
termination of the agreement. Count Two claimed Breach of Fiduciary Duty, based on
alleged duties owed by Ford to Kent State. Count Three raised a claim for Tortious
Interference with a Contract against Bradley University, for inducing Ford to breach his
employment contract.
{¶3} Ford filed his Answer on May 27, 2011. Bradley University filed its Answer
on the same date.1
{¶4} The following facts giving rise to the filing of the Complaint were presented
through deposition testimony and affidavits:
{¶5} In April of 2008, Ford and Kent State executed an Employment Contract,
employing Ford as Kent State’s head men’s basketball coach for a period of four years,
with an option for a fifth year. The Contract included his salary, supplemental salary,
and various incentives based on performance. It also contained the following provision:
1. Subsequent to the filing of its Complaint, Kent State made multiple requests to amend it, adding
another claim and party, Parker Executive Search. An Order and Journal Entry was later filed, based on
the parties’ agreement, dismissing the claims against Parker, the Civil Conspiracy claim against Bradley,
and the First and Second Amended Complaints. The original Complaint and responses were deemed
refiled.
2
GENE A. FORD recognizes that his promise to work for the
UNIVERSITY for the entire term of this four (4) year Contract is of the
essence of this Contract with the UNIVERSITY. GENE A. FORD also
recognizes that the UNIVERSITY is making a highly valuable
investment in his continued employment by entering into this Contract
and its investment would be lost were he to resign or otherwise
terminate his employment with the UNIVERSITY prior to the expiration
of this Contract. Accordingly, he will pay to the UNIVERSITY as
liquidated damages an amount equal to his base and supplemental
salary, multiplied by the number of years (or portion(s) thereof)
remaining on the Contract.
{¶6} Further, the contract provided that if Ford terminated his employment prior
to the contract’s expiration, “and is employed or performing services for a person or
institution other than the UNIVERSITY,” he “shall pay * * * an amount equal to the
balance of the then-current total annual salary due for the remaining amount of the term
of this Contract.”
{¶7} In April 2010, Ford and Kent State renegotiated and executed a new
Employment Contract, lasting for a term of five years, which increased his salary and
supplemental salary by a total of $100,000, for a total salary of $300,000. This contract
contained the same liquidated damages provision as above, changing only the number
of years under the contract.
{¶8} Joel Nielsen, the Kent State athletic director, testified that in early 2011,
he received a phone call from Ford’s agent, requesting permission for Ford to speak to
other schools regarding employment. Nielsen granted such permission following the
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conclusion of the basketball season. On March 26, 2011, Ford made Nielsen aware of
his conversations with Bradley University and expressed his possible interest in taking a
coaching position there. At that time, Nielsen reminded Ford of the liquidated damages
provision in the Contract. Soon thereafter, Ford accepted the position at Bradley
University, at an annual salary of $700,000. Nielsen hired Coach Robert Senderoff in
early April 2011 to replace Ford.
{¶9} Nielsen testified that the liquidated damages clause was included to
protect the University by providing coaching continuity, which aids in recruiting players.
Nielsen did not know of any players who left the program or of any specific recruits that
may have decided not to attend Kent State because of Ford’s departure, although he
believed it would impact some potential future recruits. Nielsen explained the cost
associated with conducting a coaching search to replace Ford, including time and travel
for interviews. He outlined as potential damages the “loss of investment” in Ford,
including “equity” built up with fans and donors. He conceded that, when coaches left in
the past, the team continued to perform well.
{¶10} Thomas Kleinlein, Kent State’s executive associate athletic director,
testified that Ford had difficulty deciding whether to go to Bradley, and was concerned
about having to pay the liquidated damages clause. Regarding potential damages
resulting from Ford’s departure, season ticket sales and advance ticket sales were
“behind.” Kleinlein also noted that there are often large “staff transitional costs” when a
head coach leaves.
{¶11} Dr. Lester Lefton, president of Kent State University, testified that
liquidated damages “make up some of the differences” from the loss in ticket sales,
advertising, recruiting and “having to start all over again” when a coach leaves
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prematurely. He believed that such damages “deter” individuals from leaving early. Dr.
Lefton explained that when a coach leaves prior to the expiration of the contract, “the
program suffers, recruiting suffers, ticket sales suffer, alumni and fan support suffers,
[and] donations suffer.” He testified that the liquidated damages clause contained in
Ford’s contract was similar to those currently used for head basketball and football
coaches at Kent State and it was consistent with past policy.
{¶12} Dr. Lefton opined that, at the time the second contract was signed by
Ford, he “fully understood what liquidated damages were because he was trying to have
them removed.” He believed, from conversations with presidents from other
universities, that they included similar liquidated damages clauses in their contracts.
{¶13} Liang Kennedy, Kent State’s athletic director until June of 2010, offered
Ford his first head coaching contract at Kent State in April 2008. Kennedy asserted that
the liquidated damages clause protects the coach and the institution’s investment in the
coach and the program. At the time the second contract was negotiated, Ford wanted
the liquidated damages clause to be changed and asked for a “graduated reduction,”
i.e., the damages would decrease as the contract became closer to expiring. Ford
eventually agreed to accept the liquidated damages clause as it had been previously
and signed the new contract.
{¶14} Kennedy testified that the base salary was used as the foundation to
determine the amount of liquidated damages. He noted that if Ford left, consequences
to the program would include decreased revenue, fundraising, and community outreach,
which they “established * * * would cost about a year’s salary per year.” He explained
that Kent State did not do a “financial analysis” prior to establishing the liquidated
damages clause in Ford’s contract.
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{¶15} Regarding damages that occurred after Ford’s departure, Kennedy noted
that he was disappointed with the results of a recent basketball outing. Kennedy
explained that the goodwill of the program and the community outreach would suffer
without Ford, since Ford was able to achieve high levels of attendance at community
events. He also pointed to the loss of an effective director of basketball operations.
{¶16} Ford filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on January 17, 2012. He
argued that Kent State suffered no damages as a result of his departure. He asserted
that the liquidated damages clause was defective, since its objective was “punitive
deterrence of breach,” and the amount was disproportionate to any anticipated or actual
damages. On the same date, Bradley University filed a Motion for Summary Judgment.
{¶17} Kent State filed its Motions for Partial Summary Judgment against Bradley
University and Ford on the same date, arguing that the liquidated damages clause was
valid and enforceable against Ford.
{¶18} On July 12, 2013, the court filed an Order and Journal Entry. The court
concluded that Ford breached his employment contract and that the liquidated damages
provision was enforceable. The court denied Ford’s request for summary judgment for
Breach of Contract but granted his request on the claim for Breach of Fiduciary Duty. In
a separate Order and Journal Entry on the same date, the court granted Kent State’s
Partial Motion for Summary Judgment for Breach of Contract, finding that, pursuant to
the valid liquidated damages clause, Kent State was entitled to the damages specified
in the contract.
{¶19} On July 12 and 24, 2013, the court filed two additional Orders and Journal
Entries, granting summary judgment in favor of Kent State and denying Bradley’s
Motion for Summary Judgment, on the claim for Tortious Interference, but required that
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damages be proven at trial. On September 25, 2013, Kent State filed a Notice of
Dismissal against Bradley University.
{¶20} On October 11, 2013, the trial court filed a Final Judgment Entry, finding
that, pursuant to the stipulation of the parties, $1.2 million was due to Kent State under
the liquidated damages clause of the contract and awarded damages in that amount.
{¶21} Ford timely appeals and raises the following assignment of error:
{¶22} “The trial court erred when it entered final judgment in favor of Plaintiff-
Appellee Kent State University and awarded Kent State $1.2 million in liquidated
damages after granting Kent State’s cross-motion for summary judgment on its claim for
breach of contract and denying Defendant-Appellant Gene A. Ford’s motion for
summary judgment on the same claim.”
{¶23} Pursuant to Civil Rule 56(C), summary judgment is proper when (1) the
evidence shows “that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact” to be litigated,
(2) “the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law,” and (3) “it appears from
the evidence * * * that reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion and that
conclusion is adverse to the party against whom the motion for summary judgment is
made, that party being entitled to have the evidence * * * construed most strongly in the
party’s favor.” A trial court’s decision to grant summary judgment is reviewed by an
appellate court under a de novo standard of review. Grafton v. Ohio Edison Co., 77
Ohio St. 3d 102, 105, 671 N.E.2d 241 (1996). “A de novo review requires the appellate
court to conduct an independent review of the evidence before the trial court without
deference to the trial court’s decision.” (Citation omitted.) Peer v. Sayers, 11th Dist.
Trumbull No. 2011-T-0014, 2011-Ohio-5439, ¶ 27.
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{¶24} Ford argues that the liquidated damages clause in his employment
contract was an unenforceable penalty and does not comply with the factors contained
in Samson Sales, Inc. v. Honeywell, Inc., 12 Ohio St. 3d 27, 465 N.E.2d 392 (1984).
{¶25} Liquidated damages are “an agreed upon amount of money to be paid in
lieu of actual damages in the event of a breach of contract.” (Citation omitted.) Windsor
v. Riback, 11th Dist. Geauga Nos. 2007-G-2775 and 2007-G-2781, 2008-Ohio-2005, ¶
53. “Liquidated damages * * * which are consistent with the principle of compensation *
* * are permitted.” Cleveland Constr., Inc. v. Gatlin Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 11th Dist.
Lake No. 99-L-050, 2000 Ohio App. LEXIS 3215, 5 (July 14, 2000).
{¶26} When a party challenges a liquidated damages provision, the court must
“step back and examine it in light of what the parties knew at the time the contract was
formed and in light of an estimate of the actual damages caused by the breach.” Lake
Ridge Academy v. Carney, 66 Ohio St. 3d 376, 382, 613 N.E.2d 183 (1993); Village
Station Assocs. v. Geauga Co., 84 Ohio App. 3d 448, 451, 616 N.E.2d 1201 (11th
Dist.1992) (“liquidated damages must have some relation to actual damages”).
{¶27} In Samson, the Supreme Court of Ohio set forth the test for determining
whether a liquidated damages provision should be upheld:
Where the parties have agreed on the amount of damages,
ascertained by estimation and adjustment, and have expressed this
agreement in clear and unambiguous terms, the amount so fixed
should be treated as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, if the
damages would be (1) uncertain as to amount and difficult of proof,
and if (2) the contract as a whole is not so manifestly unconscionable,
unreasonable, and disproportionate in amount as to justify the
8
conclusion that it does not express the true intention of the parties,
and if (3) the contract is consistent with the conclusion that it was the
intention of the parties that damages in the amount stated should
follow the breach thereof.
12 Ohio St. 3d 27, 465 N.E.2d 392, at the syllabus.
{¶28} The application of Samson to the facts of this case supports a conclusion
that the liquidated damages provision was properly enforced by the lower court. The
parties agreed on an amount of damages, stated in clear terms in Ford’s second
employment contract. Regarding the first factor, the difficulty of ascertaining the
damages resulting from Ford’s breach, it is apparent that such damages were difficult, if
not impossible, to determine. Based on the testimony presented, the departure of a
university’s head basketball coach may result in a decrease in ticket sales, impact the
ability to successfully recruit players and community support for the team, and require a
search for both a new coach and additional coaching staff. Many of these damages
cannot be easily measured or proven. This is especially true given the nature of how
such factors may change over the course of different coaches’ tenures with a sports
program or team.
{¶29} A similar conclusion regarding the difficulty of ascertaining damages from
a university coach’s breach was reached in Vanderbilt Univ. v. DiNardo, 174 F.3d 751
(6th Cir.1999), one of the few cases related to liquidated damages in a university
coaching scenario. The DiNardo Court cited the district court’s opinion, which found
that damages from losing a head football coach are uncertain and “[i]t is impossible to
estimate how the loss of a head football coach will affect alumni relations, public
support, football ticket sales, contributions, etc. * * * [T]o require a precise formula for
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calculating damages resulting from the breach of contract by a college head football
coach would be tantamount to barring the parties from stipulating to liquidated damages
evidence in advance.” Id. at 756. The Court held that the university’s head football
coach was hired “for a unique and specialized position,” with the parties understanding
that damages could not be easily ascertained if a breach occurred, especially given that
the provision was reciprocal and was the result of negotiations by both parties, which is
the case in the present matter as well. Id. at 757.
{¶30} Ford argues that his duty was to coach the team and the only damages
that would result from his breach were from hiring a replacement coach, damages which
are easily measurable. The court in DiNardo rejected this exact argument, holding that
“[t]he potential damage to [Vanderbilt] extends far beyond the cost of merely hiring a
new head football coach.” Id. at 756. As he notes in his brief, Ford also had
supplemental duties, such as fundraising and marketing. The contractual requirement
that he perform these duties when requested represents the inherent importance and
value in a basketball coach participating in activities benefitting the basketball program.
Factors such as the potential loss of recruits and revenue that could result if a coach’s
early departure impacted the team’s results are directly tied to his duties as a coach.
{¶31} In this case, the contract stated that the liquidated damages clause was
based on Kent State’s “investment in [Ford’s] continued employment.” This is similar to
DiNardo, where language was included regarding the importance of the “long-term
commitment” and stability of the program. Id. at 756. The desire for Ford’s continued
employment, the renegotiation of his contract prior to its expiration, and Kennedy’s
statements to Ford that the contract would be renegotiated within a few years, made it
clear that Kent State desired Ford to have long-term employment, which was necessary
10
to establish the stability in the program that would benefit recruitment, retention of
assistant coaching staff, and community participation and involvement. The breach of
the contract impacted all of these areas.
{¶32} Ford cites Fleming v. Kent State Univ., Ct. of Cl. No. 2011-09365 (Oct. 4,
2013), noting that Kent State advanced, and prevailed on, the opposite position in that
case, i.e., that a liquidated damages clause was unenforceable because damages were
not uncertain. Fleming, however, has recently been reversed by the Tenth District in
Fleming v. Kent State Univ., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 13AP-942, 2014-Ohio-3471.
Although Fleming involved the opposite scenario, i.e., where the coach’s employment
was terminated by the university, similar to the present case, the court held that
damages were uncertain, due to the nature of the coach’s employment and the difficulty
in estimating potential lost business opportunities. Id. at ¶ 30-31.
{¶33} Ford argues that the lack of certainty prong also does not apply because
there were no historic adverse effects on ticket sales, recruiting, or donor contributions
when past coaches left Kent State. Even if this was the case, it has little bearing on the
fact that damages to Kent State were uncertain at the time the contract was executed.
Furthermore, Ford’s unique abilities, such as his skill in connecting with the community
and success in obtaining donations, were noted in the testimony.
{¶34} In the second factor, we must evaluate whether the contract was
unconscionable and disproportionate in amount, such that it does not express the
parties’ intent.
{¶35} Ford argues that the liquidated damages provision is unenforceable
because it is disproportionate to the foreseeable possible damage. He asserts that
11
Kent State failed to estimate its damages prior to including the liquidated damages
clause and instead chose an arbitrary amount.
{¶36} As an initial matter, we note that there appears to be nothing
unconscionable about the liquidated damages clause. “A contract is unconscionable if it
did not result ‘from real bargaining between parties who had freedom of choice and
understanding and ability to negotiate in a meaningful fashion.’” (Citations omitted.)
Lake Ridge, 66 Ohio St. 3d at 383, 613 N.E.2d 183. Ford was not an unsophisticated
party and testimony indicated that he had consulted with an attorney and/or agent prior
to signing the second employment contract. There is no evidence to show that he did
not make an informed choice, especially given that he clearly negotiated in an attempt
to remove the liquidated damages clause.
{¶37} Regarding the alleged unreasonableness of the damages, Ford takes
issue with the fact that actual damages were not proven by Kent State. In cases
involving a valid liquidated damages clause, however, “the party seeking such damages
need not prove that actual damages resulted from a breach.” (Citation omitted.)
Physicians Anesthesia Serv., Inc. v. Burt, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-060761, 2007-Ohio-
6871, ¶ 20; USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc. v. Spitzer Great Lakes, Ltd., 85 Ohio App. 3d
737, 741, 621 N.E.2d 461 (9th Dist.1993) (the court agreed with the “majority view” that
proof of actual damages is not required to prevail on a liquidated damages claim); Kurtz
v. Western Prop., L.L.C., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 10AP-1099, 2011-Ohio-6726, ¶ 41.
{¶38} While some evidence of the value of the actual damages helps to
determine the reasonableness of the liquidated damages, based on the record, we find
that the damages were reasonable. Even if the damages to Kent State were based
solely on hiring a replacement coach, finding a coach of a similar skill and experience
12
level as Ford, which was gained based partially on the investment of Kent State in his
development, would have an increased cost. This is evident from the fact that Ford was
able to more than double his yearly salary when hired by Bradley University. See Burt
at ¶ 20 (upholding a liquidated damages clause based on the high market cost of
obtaining a replacement employee). The salary Ford earned at Bradley shows the loss
of market value in coaching experienced by Kent State, $400,000 per year, for four
years. Although this may not have been known at the time the contract was executed, it
could have been anticipated, and was presumably why Kent State wanted to
renegotiate the contract and establish a new five-year coaching term. As noted above,
there was also an asserted decrease in ticket sales, costs associated with the trip for
the coaching search, and additional potential sums that may be expended.
{¶39} Regarding Ford’s contention that the liquidated damages contained in his
employment contract were not properly estimated beforehand, as required under the
Samson test, but were merely an arbitrary number, it has been noted by several courts
that estimation by exacting standards cannot be achieved in every scenario. See
DiNardo, 174 F.3d at 755-757 (allowing salary to be used for liquidated damages since
future damages were unquantifiable); Burt at ¶ 20 (given the unpredictable market rate
at the time of the breach, liquidated damages tied to an employee’s salary were a
reasonable prediction). Kennedy also testified that the base salary was used for the
liquidated damages, based on considerations such as potential fundraising and revenue
losses, and a review of the industry standard, resulting in the conclusion that it would
cost about a year’s salary to cover damages.
{¶40} In the third factor, the court is to consider whether the contract is
consistent with the fact that the parties intended that the damages follow the breach.
13
The provision itself in this case is not ambiguous and it is clear that it would apply if the
contract was breached by either party. Testimony was presented that such clauses,
although they differ from contract to contract, are common for university coaches.
Nothing indicated that the clause did not represent the parties’ intent, especially given
that testimony demonstrated Ford was aware of the provision and even attempted to
change it during negotiations prior to signing the second contract.
{¶41} Finally, Ford argues that the liquidated damages clause is unenforceable
because it acted as a penalty to punish him for breaking his promise.
{¶42} “Whether the subject provision constitutes an illegal penalty provision or a
liquidated damages provision depends on the facts and circumstances of each case.”
Brunswick Ltd. Partnership v. Feudo, 171 Ohio App. 3d 369, 2007-Ohio-2163, 870
N.E.2d 804, ¶ 11 (11th Dist.).
{¶43} As discussed extensively above, there was justification for seeking
liquidated damages to compensate for Kent State’s losses, and, thus, there was a valid
compensatory purpose for including the clause. While there was some testimony the
clause would deter Ford from leaving, this would be true of liquidated damages clauses
in almost every contract, since an award of damages deters a breach. It appears that at
least some losses were contemplated prior to the inclusion of this provision in the
contract. Given all of the circumstances and facts in this case, and the consideration of
the factors above, we cannot find that the liquidated damages clause was a penalty.
{¶44} In his second issue, Ford argues that the liquidated damages clause is
unenforceable since a party cannot recover for a breach of contract when there is no
proof of damages.
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{¶45} As discussed above, when a liquidated damages clause is included, it is
not required that actual damages be proven. The cases cited by Ford within this
argument do not include a liquidated damages clause. To the extent that they address
the issue of whether an employee’s breach of an employment contract is compensable
only by damages for his replacement, this has been thoroughly addressed above and
fails to take into consideration the value of the unique services provided by a university
athletic coach.
{¶46} The sole assignment of error is without merit.
{¶47} For the foregoing reasons, the judgments of the Portage County Court of
Common Pleas are affirmed. Costs to be taxed against the appellant.
CYNTHIA WESTCOTT RICE, J., concurs,
TIMOTHY P. CANNON, P.J., dissents with a Dissenting Opinion.
_________________________________
TIMOTHY P. CANNON, P.J., dissenting.
{¶48} This case was resolved on the parties’ cross-motions for summary
judgment. On appeal, Ford’s sole assignment of error asserts the trial court erred by
granting Kent State’s motion for summary judgment on its claim for breach of contract
and denying Ford’s motion for summary judgment on the same claim. This case was
not submitted to the trial court on stipulations or otherwise tried in any way on the
merits. As a result, the case must be analyzed based on the standard set forth in Civ.R.
56. In a summary judgment exercise, the moving party must submit sufficient
15
evidentiary material to establish that it is entitled to judgment, i.e., that there are no
genuine issues of material fact to be resolved in the case. Fed. Home Loan Mtge. Corp.
v. Zuga, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2012-T-0038, 2013-Ohio-2838, ¶12. If the moving
party meets this burden, the burden shifts to the non-moving party to produce sufficient
evidentiary material that establishes there are genuine issues to be litigated, pursuant to
Civ.R. 56(E). Id. The evidence submitted must be construed in a light most favorable
to the non-moving party. Id. at ¶13.
{¶49} The test developed in Ohio to judge a stipulated damages provision was
set forth by the Ohio Supreme Court in Samson Sales, Inc. v. Honeywell, Inc.:
Where the parties have agreed on the amount of damages,
ascertained by estimation and adjustment, and have expressed this
agreement in clear and unambiguous terms, the amount so fixed
should be treated as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, if
the damages would be (1) uncertain as to amount and difficult of
proof, and if (2) the contract as a whole is not so manifestly
unconscionable, unreasonable, and disproportionate in amount as
to justify the conclusion that it does not express the true intention of
the parties, and if (3) the contract is consistent with the conclusion
that it was the intention of the parties that damages in the amount
stated should follow the breach thereof.
12 Ohio St. 3d 27 (1984), syllabus, citing Jones v. Stevens, 112 Ohio St. 43 (1925),
paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶50} A challenge to a stipulated damages provision requires the court to “step
back and examine it in light of what the parties knew at the time the contract was
formed and in light of an estimate of the actual damages caused by the breach. If the
provision was reasonable at the time of formation and it bears a reasonable (not
necessarily exact) relation to actual damages, the provision will be enforced.” Lake
Ridge Academy v. Carney, 66 Ohio St. 3d 376, 382 (1993), citing 3 Restatement of the
Law 2d, Contracts, Section 356(1), at 157 (1981) (emphasis added).
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{¶51} Here, the formula utilized in the Contract does not, with any reasonable
clarity, demonstrate an approximation of anticipated, actualized damages; rather, it
rotely requires the breaching party to pay the sum of the salary remaining to be paid on
the Contract, irrespective of any other variables germane to a damages calculation.
This formula neither suggests any reasonable estimate of Kent State’s probable losses
nor describes in any way the specific areas of damage to be included in the estimate.
{¶52} The formula utilized in the Contract, i.e., the number of years left on the
Contract multiplied by Ford’s yearly salary, produces a higher valuation of damages if
the Contract is breached in the early years of the Contract rather than the last. Yet,
such a disparity in valuation bears no reasonable relationship to the actual damages
sustained. It is apparent the damages incurred by Kent State are essentially the same
if the Contract is breached at any point during the Contract term. This formula may be
the appropriate measure of damages if Kent State breached the Contract, as Ford’s
salary and the duration of the Contract is fixed. But to suggest the same measure of
damages is appropriate in the event of a breach by Ford is absurd; there is no way the
potential measure of damage to both parties would be remotely the same. When
viewing the evidence submitted in a light most favorable to Ford, this lends itself to the
suggestion that it was meant to penalize Ford, not compensate Kent State.
{¶53} Further, it is difficult to assess the actual damages that might be sustained
by Kent State in the event of a breach by Ford. In construing the evidence in a light
most favorable to Ford, a question of fact remains as to whether the parties intended
Section 7 of the Contract to be a “reasonable estimate” of damages. Unlike Vanderbilt
Univ. v. DiNardo, 174 F.3d 751, 757 (6th Cir.1999), where the liquidated damages were
“in line with Vanderbilt’s estimate of its actual damages,” Kent State provided evidence
17
of only minimal damages (less than $2,000) that were actually incurred as a result of
Ford breaching the Contract and accepting the coaching position at Bradley University.
Additionally, although Kent State asserted the possibility of various consequential
losses, inter alia, adverse effects on alumni relations, decreased ticket sales, and loss
of public support, Kent State failed to support this contention with any evidentiary
material that such losses transpired, or how the potential losses in these areas could
have approached the significant stipulated damages figure. More significantly, it
appears that all parties are in agreement that no attempt was ever made by Kent State
to conduct an assessment of what the losses might be, or what items of damages
should be included in the assessment, prior to inclusion of the clause in the Contract.
{¶54} The trial court and the majority herein cite to Kent State’s contention that it
lost a coach whose value increased by $400,000 since the signing of the Contract.
However, assessment of damages in a liquidated damages case must be based on
recoverable damages for breach. See Lake Ridge, supra, at 383. It is hard to imagine a
circumstance under which the increase in the value of the coach would be a measure of
damages in a breach of contract case, and it should not be considered a factor in
assessing whether the stipulated liquidated damages clause is reasonable.
{¶55} In his brief, Ford cites to Lake Ridge for the proposition that whether a
stipulation is for liquidated damages or a penalty is a question of law for the court. See
Lake Ridge, supra, at 380. To support this statement of law, the Supreme Court of Ohio
cited to a case from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, applying Florida state
law. Id., quoting Ruckelshaus v. Broward Cty. School Bd., 494 F.2d 1164, 1165 (5th
Cir.1974). As recognized by the majority, however, the Supreme Court stated in
Samson Sales: “Whether a particular sum specified in a contract is intended as a
18
penalty or as liquidated damages depends upon the operative facts and circumstances
surrounding each particular case * * *.” Samson Sales, supra, at 28-29. Often, the
determination of whether it is a penalty or liquidated damages clause involves factual
questions that cannot be resolved as a matter of law. See Developers Diversified, Ltd.
v. Graves, 4th Dist. Ross No. 1131, 1985 Ohio App. LEXIS 8079, *4 (June 18, 1985)
(“establishing whether liquidated damages are reasonable or a penalty is often a
question of fact”) and Brunswick Ltd. Partnership v. Feudo, 171 Ohio App. 3d 369, 2007-
Ohio-2163, ¶11 (11th Dist.).
{¶56} In this case, without stipulations, submission of evidence to a fact finder,
and an assessment of the credibility of the relevant evidence, I believe it is impossible to
determine whether the stipulated damages clause is reasonable and proportionate.
Thus, it is inappropriate to conclude, as a matter of law, that there are no genuine
issues of fact to be resolved, and the stipulated damages provision in the Contract is to
be construed as liquated damages and not a penalty clause. There is significant
evidence that Kent State did not make an effort, prior to or at the time of contracting, to
identify either the types of damages or the amount of damages it would incur following a
breach. There is evidence, however, that the damages sustained by Kent State as a
result of a breach would be the same if a breach occurred in the last year of the
Contract or in the second year of the Contract. As the evidence must be construed in a
light most favorable to the non-moving party, the escalation clause contained in the
Contract could be considered a penalty. As a result, there remain genuine issues of
material fact to be litigated on this dispositive issue.
{¶57} For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully dissent from the opinion of the
majority.
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