Ed Orgeron Ordered to Split LSU Buyout

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in a 5-2 decision that former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron must pay his ex-wife, Kelly Orgeron, $8.13 million, representing half of his nearly $17 million LSU buyout. The ruling determined the contract extension Orgeron signed with LSU in January 2020, including the buyout clause, was community property since it was executed during their marriage. Orgeron filed for divorce 43 days after signing the extension, but the court found both spouses benefited from the contract's financial security. The decision overturned lower court rulings that favored Orgeron and emphasized that assets acquired during marriage are presumed to be jointly owned. Dissenting justices argued the buyout was 'liquidated damages' and not subject to community property laws. The case underscores the complexities of dividing professional sports contracts in divorce under community property statutes.