ANALYSIS: Kevin Guskiewicz’s decision to stay may have settled the J Batt standoff
With Guskiewicz staying, the balance of leverage has shifted dramatically in the university’s favor
Kevin Guskiewicz's decision to stay may have just shifted the balance of power between Michigan State and J Batt.
For the past three weeks, Michigan State and J Batt have essentially been waiting each other out.
Batt continued occupying the athletic director's office while seemingly beginning his tenure at Kentucky. Michigan State retained a contractual buyout that could be worth as much as $5 million. Each side had reason to believe time might improve its negotiating position.
That changed this afternoon when Kevin Guskiewicz announced he would remain Michigan State's president.
The announcement was significant for more than just the university's presidential leadership as it fundamentally changed the negotiating dynamics surrounding Batt's departure.
