Rachel Pierce Waide, Tupelo, and her husband Jim represented Sherill in the 2004 lawsuit. She stated that she couldn’t divulge details about the settlement reached during the third day of the Madison County Circuit Court trial, which began July 15. Sherill, 75 years old, didn’t ask for any specific amount in the lawsuit. However, he had requested a multimillion-dollar settlement in his original filing. Wayne Ferrell, Sherill’s long-time Jackson attorney, confirmed Wednesday afternoon that there had been a financial settlement. Ferrell stated that Sherill is now free to coach and serve as an administrator of any NCAA school. Cal Mayo of Oxford represented the NCAA and its investigators during the lawsuit. He referred reporters to NCAA for comment. Donald Remy, chief legal officer of the NCAA, provided this statement: “Rather that continuing what has already been a long legal process, all parties have agreed confidentially to settle the claims in this matter without admitting liability or responsibility. “We thank the court, jury and staff for their professionalism and service in the process.” Sherill filed the lawsuit in 2003 after he resigned from his position at Mississippi State amid an NCAA investigation into the football program. Sherill was accused in two counts of promising to buy a car for a new recruit and to support the family of another. The NCAA’s Committee on Infractions dismissed the charges against Sherill in 2004 due to insufficient evidence. However, the university was placed on probation. Sherill, now living in Wimberly (Texas), claimed that the NCAA unfairly damaged his reputation and stopped him from seeking other coaching opportunities after he left Mississippi State. The 12 member Madison County jury heard testimony from Sherrill and Richard Johanningmeier (an NCAA investigator), former Mississippi State quarterback John Bond, and other witnesses before the settlement was reached. Sherill began his career as a head coach in 1976 and was appointed at Mississippi State in 1991. He was instrumental in leading Mississippi State to its greatest seasons, including the Southeastern Conference championship. With 75 wins, he is still the winningest coach at the university. The rivalry between the schools was highlighted by the trial which featured accusations that Ole Miss boosters had helped to ruin his reputation. One potential juror was wearing a maroon jacket with Mississippi State colors during the opening of the week’s questioning. He said that he put on the jacket because it was cold inside the courtroom. Based on questions from potential jurors Mayo suggested that it looked like a football match was about to break out. Original lawsuit was filed in Starkville (home of Mississippi State), but it was later moved to Madison County. Rick Cleveland contributed to the story.