Former Augusta Colts head coach Bubba Diggs is threatening to sue the indoor football team and majority owner John Sisson for failure to pay what Diggs said is the remaining $15,000 of his contract.
"I'm going to go forward with legal action," Diggs said. "I've called him and (Colts minority owner) Tony (Zefiretto), and they won't call me back."
Diggs said he will hold a news conference on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Body Works in North Augusta to explain his intentions.
"I'm just trying to bring some closure to this now," he said. "It's been wearing on me. My name's not on the Web site. It says they're taking applications to fill the coaching positions, and I haven't heard anything. It's very frustrating."
Sisson didn't return a call seeking comment. Andrew Wright, the team's vice president of operations, said Sisson is taking some time off.
"The comment from the Colts is that we told Bubba we were not going to make a decision (on a head coach) 'til September," Wright said. "Bubba got paid for what John told him he would get paid -- 'til the end of July. Really, there is no contract. Bubba got his money."
Diggs' relationship with the Colts took a hit in July, when a dispute arose over the length of his contract. Diggs said the contract ran through the end of 2008. Sisson contended that the contract expired at the end of the season and he had no plans to sign Diggs to a new contract until September -- at the earliest.
Diggs said he didn't realize he wasn't the coach until he was contacted by The Augusta Chronicle on July 11.
"I'm tired of the drama," Diggs said. "I don't even want to be a part of anything next year. I want Augusta to have an indoor football team with or without me, but I'm not going to be treated this way.
"I took off $5,000. I told him he could only pay me $10,000, and we'll call it even. I was going to just walk away and keep my mouth shut, but no."
Diggs said the only recent contact he's had with his former boss is when Sisson sent him an e-mail asking Diggs to return his office keys and team-issued cell phone.
Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.
DIGGS' COACHING HISTORY
- Bubba Diggs showed up on the Augusta indoor football scene as a coach for the Stallions in 2000. He stayed with the team through its three years of existence.
- In 2006, Diggs returned to Augusta as the head coach for the Spartans. He coached the team in both years of its existence, leading it to a World Indoor Football League championship in 2007.
- Diggs remained coach after the Spartans were sold to John Sisson and joined the American Indoor Football Association as the Colts. He led the team to a 7-7 record.
- In July, Sisson said Diggs' contract expired. Diggs said the contract was supposed to last through the end of the calendar year.
While other teams in town are breaking attendance records (Greenjackets) and hiring great new coaches (Lynx), this bush league operation can't pay the face of their franchise. "Sisson is missing" the big picture here.
This is really sad! Mr. Diggs, along with the team gave us (Augusta) a championship and this is how he is repaid. I knew that the spirit or excitement was leaving our arena football when I noticed that the spirit leaders (cheerleaders) were not allowed on the field as much as they did in the past. That was the 1st sign. For those who remember the "Stallions & Spartans" games you know the excitement left with the management/owner! What we need is a new owner not a new coach. PAY THE MAN!
My brother has been dedicated and committed his career to this establishment. He has PROVEN that he deserves to be where he is by winning the CHAMPIONSHIP for the indoor football league just last year and now this so called "businessman" is trying not to honor his agreement is totally absurd. I agree with all the previous comments not only speaking as a caring sister but as a fan. I believe that Bubba deserves to be treated fairly. Even if John doesn't want to rehire Bubba for next year's job, the one thing that he could do is COMMUNICATE. Bubba has been a well respected man in the Augusta community since I was growing up and known to many as "Bubba Diggs lil sister". I am not certain where all of this is coming from but i do know that karma is not something to play with and when you do people wrong, it will come back. Perhaps John missed that Sunday school lesson. I've been quite for too long and seeing my brother go through this is out of control. John-you need to do what's right and pay Bubba. He trusted you to keep your word so now its time to PAY! Do what's right!
This is very sad and unfortunate that this has to happen to one of Augusta's best. It's quite obvious that the Colts don't have the money. How can you not have a head coach for 3 months during the offseason. Who is going to recurit the free agents and scout players. I guess they will have open tryouts for guys who haven't put pads on in 5 years. Expect good times this spring at the JBA.
The new investors and Sisson should do the right thing but I would expect that will not. Thats why they are thought as the fourth best sports team in the city. The Jackets, the Lynx and now the Groove have have passed the Colts and the Groove has not even played a game. Pay the man. I mans word should be the most important thing he can have and you went back on your word. Thats disgraceful.
I say good riddance! Diggs only guided the team to a .500 record last year with some of the best talent in the whole AIFA. I've said it before and I'll say it again, make Marvin Stone player/coach and we'll be having a ticker tape parade down Broad Street this summer!!!
As a former teammate at Clemson Univ. Bubba has always been a stand up guy and I know he is a better Coach than most. The fact remains Sisson you owe the man! I had the pleasure of reviewing his paperwork or contract if you will and find it to be in order. That was one thing I knew Coach Diggs would have in place because of folks like you! It is sad it had to come to this, but "DO THE RIGHT THING" and then you can move forward with what you are trying to do in Augusta. Hopefully that will not be trying to shame someone else. Augusta does not deserve this insult to one of its own.
He should definitely get his money. The colts are a joke. How can sisson even consider himself an owner? He has no money, no sense of how a professional team should be run, and aparently no common courtesy. How is it good business to screw over a coach who put his heart and soul into that team? Not only should bubba take his money and leave, but i wouldn't be suprised if no one wants the vacant coaching position. I have an idea. I found 47 cents and 4 stale cheetos in my couch, how about i become part owner/ coach. That is probably all it would take. Predition: theh colts will fold before next year, and i say good riddance to that chimpo not to bubba.
If he has no money, diggs' suit is a moot pt!
Well, Well, as someone with knowledge of this situation from inside and knowledge of this sport in Augusta.
Seems kinda funny you spent the whole year trashing me and others never listiened to us thought you knew everything and now look at you Mr. Sisson you have shamed, disgraced Augusta turning the Colts into the second biggest joke in Augusta the first being the GA Golf Hall of Fame.
Then you slap the one guy in the face who was your heart of the program. Augusta has a good memory you offended the family he's one of us. Arena football is dead in Augusta and my friend your stupid leadership is what killed it.
This aint over my brother they are people who will t
ake great pride in running you out of town myself included.
Time to take back Augusta and put it in the hands of somebody who can run it. We need new ownership, leadership now because you will never play a down in Augusta with Sisson in charge thats a promise.
LetsMoveOn, Diggs was told not to worry about the record this year, just build a team and create a positive environment. Ask Diggs if he was fired. No, he wasn't. Ask your husband why he can't look Diggs in the eye anymore. He knows Sisson did everyone wrong, but as a new minority owner he won't go against the grain. Time will tell and it will all come out. Then Augusta will see the truth.
This is not only the right way for Diggs to gain satisfaction for what has happened it is the only way. I am with him and frankly I hope he goes through with his threat and makes it a reality. Sisson should be sued, drug into court and made to pay Diggs what he is owed along with punitive damages for opportunities lost due to his being in limbo as a coach. diggs has "probably" turned down other out of town offers from other franchises to interview for head coaching jobs because of his loyalty to a less than honest franchise owner. This franchise's short but sad track record of ownership is so suspect that the Coliseun authority acted to get their money back from a line of credit that was in place. I believe Diggs if he says he has a contract then one must exist. Diggs don't turn your back on Augusta football, you have been a good role model and a great inspiration in this era of "less than trustworthy" athletes who leave for money. Augusta needs you and Sisson needs to be taught a lesson. I say Augusta should buy the team, other cities have done so. Coach Diggs IS Augusta football!!
Yea, you probably know who I am I really ought to deposit my foot up your but along with the rest of you hot heads who think you know something. John will never and I do mean this ever make it in Augusta.
I are nobody else will ever have to fire a shoot he's doing it daily.
You have [filtered word] off Augusta step down before the rest of this comes out. There is money in place and new potential owners and I for one will take great pride in sending John out of town by police escort. Wait a second he will be in the car not being followed this guy is lower than dirt. The league is stupid I have a petition and a pending lawsuit on the behalf of the fans just waiting on you.
Get out we don't want you here.
The truth is you destroyed everything in less than six months and are trying to find somebody to listien.
Wow a a owner on here enjoy your stay in Augusta because it will be short. Mr. Sisson resign get out of town or we will force you out.
Jimmy Young may have had trouble manging money but he did have something all of you together won't have in seven lifetimes.
The respect of Augusta you are a disgrace to the CSRA.
Diggs is family pay the man and do whats right. By the way pay the others also your lies will not mean nothing to the people of Augusta. We know the truth.
This is AMAZING!! Why is there any question as to whether or not he gets paid?? Pay the man for his services Mr. Sisson. I promise you, the reprecussions will only hurt you and the organization in the long run by not supporting the man who help to BUILD this program!!
Augusta, Georgia supports BUBBA DIGGS and with the unfavor treatment of a man who has dedicated his life and his talent to putting indoor football in Augusta on the MAP is a a true representation of his character. I have faith that my cousin will be JUST FINE!! I have faith that the city of Augusta will rally around him in support and I am confident John Sisson that you will HONOR your contract and pay him. If you do not, I would NOT be surprised if the city of Augusta DOES NOT support you or your organization in any football endeavors knowing you are not a man of your word! Bubba...you stay strong, you stay focued and you stay encouraged!!! Your Cousin In NC!!!!!!!
lets move on...you are out of gas! Also, you must not be able to read. The story SAYS that BUBBA was not told he was fired. IF you agree with Sisson so much, perhaps you should encourage him to be a MAN and handle his business. The reason why the COLTS are doing such good work in the community is because of BUBBA....you are dumb if you think differently! Get over yourself raggedy! IF you really want to know the truth ask John and this NEW minority owner to tell you the real truth!
Letsmoveon, thanks for the supportive post. Everyone seems to be missing the point that Bubba was payed what he was owed. He is saying he was owed more than what his contract stated. Let it go and move on! Unless you are a part of the inside operations, you cannot claim to know what is really going on with team agreements. Lots of people lay claim to money to which they are not entitiled. I am sure Bubba is a great guy, but that does not make him a great coach. Move on and please support this team. Stop making judgements based on things about which you cannot possibly know. Thank You.
And who are you that knows so much magicrocketcity? You obviously have more inside scoop so how about YOU contact Sission to give his feedback.....how do you know what the contract states...did you write it? As far as the supportive post.....you all are full of IT! BTW...PAID is not spelled PAYED...you may want to learn how to spell before you try to WRITE!
OMG...you can't spell either....you wouldn't know stupidity if it hit you in the face....the contract and paperwork will tell the truth. LIKE I SAID...where is JOHN? He's the only one who has any say at this point outside of Bubba. Why all of a sudden, there's a problem when he's been actively involved with arena football since it entered Augusta (nearly 9 years ago)....your logic doesn't make any sense. The colts are broke! That's all in the paper (outside from Bubba's information), Keep it real and PLEASE learn how to spell! FOOTBALL may be standing but it won't be with the COLTS!
For the LAST TIME...unless you are JOHN, you really don't have any say....not even these partial owners that he just brought in because he needed some help.
I see that you are still having challenges with your grammar/spelling but...I'm not the one trying to speak for someone else and furthermore, the last thing you need to do is attack my family. I don't think you want that type of press....especially if YOU don't have a say which it sounds like you don't. LIKE I SAID, unless you're JOHN it doesn't count...why won't he say anything, since you know so freakin' much!....this has been ongoing...long before this thing came up with Bubba (the allegations about not paying the Civic Center and NOTHING from him). I know one thing that still exist with the COLTS staff and that's ignorance!
FootballFan, you were not present for the meetings in November, December and January when Bubba was asked to resign from his state job to work full time for the Colts and promised and guaranteed a contract and a paycheck until December 2008. You started in March. You don't know all of the history there.
Kids even if Coach Diggs was the devil his big toe has more class than all you idiots put together times a 100. You stated that when the dust settles they will still be one thing standing football. If it does you wont be part of it Id love to nail your butts to the barn door. You have shamed, disgraced the Garden City and the entire CSRA.
I find it interesting along with others the hatchet job you are attempting to do on Diggs esspecially now. WOW who died and made you God? If I had to choose between you or Diggs he wins 100 times out of a 100. You all have proven yourself this year with your leadership. Diggs is a class gentlemen a great coach and a great leader role model in the CSRA. You geniuses don't have the moxy to wash his car. So shut up and take the beating you are about to get no wait you like to hide behind fences, cover your faces. I have never in my entire life wanted to draw my fist in anger until now against you idiots but times are changing. Football in the CSRA will be here next season you wont soon my friend if I have to borrow the money ill park a dump truck out in front of the Colts headquarters and start throwing the trash out.
This to include Sisson after he is brought up on charges and nailed to he barn door his staff of know it alls the lawn guy and the Guy fom Wilmington with a record that really needs looking into.
Trust me folks you don't want a war because you can't afford it and besides that there is so much more to this than whats going on now.
I would like nothing better than to run all of you out of town. You keep telling us to relax take it easy trying to calm the heard.
Folks they are hundreds of us with the ammo and guns cocked and ready to fire you are toast. Resign now before the rest of this gets out take he beating you deserve Id like to help with the paddling myself.
Some of us in Augusta love this town and yes we want to see Arena ball make it. We have love, heart, admiration and a strong desire to make it. We have the business community and the people behind us you have nothing but a bunch of hot air and a leader who couldn't get a ride in a rain shower. Leave now because if you don't you will be throwed out.
You have no heart and you arent one of us. Diggs is family you are not welcome.
Clean up Augusta buy Sisson a bus ticket in 08
Time to take back Augusta for the people
Well. After writing my previous statements I was called, text and emailed from people who thought my statements were a little too negative. After reading them I do believe they were right. I have no issues with Diggs but I do believe people are holding him on a pedestal which is not painted quite accurately. I have no dilemma with him or his family. No attacks were intentionally made. I also do not think that the people who desire to know the truth are reading this site. I have been in contact with John And DIggs over the last month and have tried diligently to correct this matter for the sake of football. An attempt was made to keep Diggs as coach and to help him make some money, run some camps, help with a charity golf tournament and so forth. He turned it down, that was his decision. I really have nothing left to say. I have from the beginning and until the end will stand for football in Augusta!
Hmmm the part owners wife who posted on here last night and the front office employee vanished. Got something to hide thought you would attempt a hatchet job on Diggs. My friend I can't wait to give you the butt whopping you need you better pray that I never get to play against Augusta ill fill the team with so many dead wringers we will beat you to death and still pour it on.
Football will soon be dead in Augusta lets all thank John Sisson and the rest of the crew for that. Coach Diggs good luck if the Lord leads you to Florence ill be there to watch you pound Augusta in the ground. You may not as nobody is be a God but your heart is in the right place unlike these idiots.
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