Garth Brooks Suing Oklahoma Hospital Over Naming Rights
- Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:07pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Country music star Garth Brooks is suing an Oklahoma hospital, saying it reneged on a promise to name a building after his late mother in exchange for a $500,000 donation. (AP File Photo)
Country music star Garth Brooks is suing an Oklahoma hospital, claiming it refused to name a building after his late mother after he gave it $500,000.
Brooks said he made the half-million dollar donation to Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in 2005 after the hospital promised to name a building after his mother, Colleen Brooks, who died of cancer in 1999, ABC News reported. According to the lawsuit, hospital officials showed him mock-ups of buildings with his mother’s name in neon lights and even planned a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
But nearly three years later, ABC reported, Brooks was told the donation would be used for what the hospital had “earmarked” it for, without further explanation.
Brooks filed a breach of contract lawsuit and is suing to get his full donation back, as well as seeking punitive damages, the Tulsa World reported. The trial began Tuesday.
The hospital maintains the donation was an “unconditional” gift and that it did nothing wrong by not using it to name a building after the singer’s mother, according to the Associated Press.
“Unfortunately, talks broke down or did not continue or Mr. Brooks was not satisfied with the options we were offering, and that’s when he decided to sue,” hospital spokesman Hardy Watkins said Tuesday before the trial began.
According to the Tulsa World, Brooks’ attorney said Tuesday much of the case would hinge on an oral contract.
“Not all contracts are written,” Peter Brolick said.
In a statement, Brooks’ spokeswoman said the singer is “stunned and hurt” by the hospital’s failure to name anything after his mother.
The $500,000 donation remains unspent in a hospital account.
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Comments (140)
krispy01
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:31pmHey Garth, call the waaaaaaaaambulance !
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:50pmSomeone should tell Garth Brooks was so much better when he was a duo with Ronnie Dunn. (snicker snicker)
Report Post »me85
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 7:39pm@KAOSCONTROL
Report Post »You are thinking of Kix Brooks not Garth Brooks.
XavierD
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 8:00pmWatch out, I heard he has friends in low places….
Report Post »tmplarnite
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 11:07pmBrooks and washed up arrogant elitist wannabe hippie hillbilly hack playing at being a cowboy…gimmee a break the only ridin’ time he has had is on broke back mountain!
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on January 19, 2012 at 3:25amLaugh it up, nobodys. lol
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 19, 2012 at 4:32pmME85- I knew it was Kix Brooks. I was just kidding around. I will say those Brooks Brothers (Kix and Garth) sure make a nice line of men’s clothing though!
Report Post »naed5048
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 3:33pmbrookes is just another typical liberal elitest.
Report Post »saranda
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:57pmThe problem here is that the article called it a donation. It is not. This was Brooks thinking he was buying the naming rights for a building. That is completely different than a donation which would be unconditional and not ego driven.
Report Post »I always have way more respect for people who give anonymously and leave the press clipping to those with low self esteem and a need for attention.
Detroit paperboy
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:11pmFor half a million, i’ll put her name on my bar…. In neon !
Report Post »mils
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:03pmethics…the hospital has none…
Report Post »Hope Garth wins.
aragona
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:36pmMe, too. People buy naming rights all the time and clearly this is what Mr. Brooks intended to do.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:45pmBuild your damned building Garth. You big baby.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:54pm‘Neon lights’ is a bit over the top. Maybe they could carve her name into a cow-pie out front?
Report Post »cstinem
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:58pmWell how about this: give the money back to Brooks. Why not? What possible reason could the hospital have that would be worth the bad publicity? Say he wanted a blue chair instead of green SO WHAT? Well give the money back and then you won’t have ANY chair…
Report Post »paulnashtn
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 7:33pmNaming rights for large donations are common place. For 1/2 million I would think that that was what was expected. Looks to me like it is the hospital that is at fault here.
Report Post »pap pap
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:31pmI too am on Garth’s side. A contract is a contract but the neon lights idea that they showed him was a bit much. It would be much more respectful if they just carved it in a stone plate like other buildings do.
Report Post »motonutt
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:30pmGarth Brooks is an arrogant ass…..a self ritious ego maniac punk.
Report Post »When the guy was having an affair with Trisha while his wife had cancer say’s everything you need to know about Garth…….
rvsample
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:39pmwhat about refusing to talk to a dying little girl on her last night as part of “Make a Wish”.
Report Post »mcsledge
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:41pmWhether you like the guy or not, the issue is about a contract. If you dismiss the importance of a contract, then maybe you would dismiss the importance of freedom.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:56pmYour right. It’s all about Garth, not the charity. I could understand if he was sueing to get the name on the hospital, (I guess). But to want his money back only proves that it is all about Garth and not helping people. His bloated ego wants all the world to see that he gave money to a hospital in his mom’s name. Doesn’t really care about the people the money will help.
Report Post »And how honorable is it to buy the namesake?
Winedude
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:42pmYou can bet that he got a big fat tax deduction for the charitable donation the year he made it. If he’s getting his money back, the U.S. Treasury is entitled to a healthy chunk of change. What an ass Garth Brooks is. But then I was never a fan of him or the genre…
Report Post »patriot308
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:44pmRVSAMPLE
what about refusing to talk to a dying little girl on her last night as part of “Make a Wish”.
——————————————————————————————————————————
Where are you getting this. I’m involved with MAW; and as of 2010 GB has fulfilled over 45 MAW. Including delaying a concert in New Hampshire for 25 minutes, just to do so. I think your F.O.S.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on January 19, 2012 at 3:29amYea for real. Try googling “garth brooks refuses to see dying girl”
you won’t find jack. I call bs.
Report Post »XgarthxBrooksxgroupieX
Posted on January 19, 2012 at 1:08pmFunny how you say Garth had an affair with Trish when his wife had cancer? how stupid are you really? He didn’t cheat. as for calling him an arrogant ass? i think you need to take a good look in the mirror then talk your ****. If you don’t know **** about em keep your damn mouth shut. perfect idea! kay? thankss
Report Post »~XGarthxBrooksxGroupieX-4 Life!
DeVain
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:28pmI need to stay out of the comments sections. I see some of the comments here, see and hear what liberals do elsewhere, and I understand why the country is in the crapper.
I think many hear Glenn, but few listen to what he says. :(
Report Post »b00x
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:54pmAmen, brother.
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:17pmAmen, twice. I have given up on anything in the political arena until after the election, I cannot take the anger any longer.
Report Post »DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:16pmIncluding Glenn. All he ever does is mock, mimic and malign those with which he disagrees.
Report Post »Dishevel
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:40pmI like Glenn. Even though he has kept his mouth shut about SOPA and PIPA.
Report Post »Guess he wants to make sure his children can continue to make money off his books 70 years after he dies.
DeVain
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 10:31pm@Dishevel…apparently you missed todays radio show, which he talked about it for a good 15 minutes or so. On tonights Glenn Beck Program he did a brilliant 30 minutes or so, but in fairness the GBTV aired after your comments. Still, he did comment while on the radio so your assumption is in error.
Report Post »jand777
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:20pmGlenns mentor John Huntsman Sr. would disagree with those who of you think it has to be in writing and I believe Glenn would also. Your word and a handshake is how Huntsman has done million dollar deals. Garth has never been a trouble maker and to me has always seem to be a very honest man. I am on his side on this one. He gave his money, they promised things, one side is not living up to their word. I wish Garth the best of luck.
Report Post »CONSERVATIVE1
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:05pmI named my black Lab “Garth” and he is the best duck dog around these parts. Mr. Brooks should pay me for naming my dog after him…maybe I should consider renaming my dog, hell, maybe I should sue Garth Brooks…
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:47pmMaybe you should rename your dog ‘Garth Sucks Ducks’.
Report Post »…. Just a lighthearted suggestion. :-)
JayCee
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 4:12pmMaybe you should give $500,000 to a hospital then keep your cool when they just warehouse it for years instead of putting it to good use like you expected.
Report Post »SmallGovBigGuns
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:01pmall the people bashing brooks…. yes it does look bad but the dude releases those walmart mega cd packs and give the proceeds away all the time. its about principal not money. 1/2 million buys you a whole lot in rural ok.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:00pmIf Garth wanted this done, he should have had a written contract. Don’t trust anyone, especially dirtbags who work in hospital administration like the FLOTUS used to.
Report Post »ajames7321
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:53pmTo all of you who believe it has to be in writting, doing things based on your word is how Garth has always been, around 10 years ago Garth was on the Ophra show when she ask if he would donate to something she was raising money for without missing a beat he said he would give the profits from his new album for the first 7 days i believe, the next days she told how after the show she said she would have her people draw up the contract at which point she said they did not need one he had giving his word and it would be done.
Report Post »Coach54
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:36pmDonate the $$ to me and I will name my shed after him.
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:35pm“Not all contracts are written,” Peter Brolick said.
Sorry – but all contracts that you want followed ARE “written” – otherwise you have no leg to stand on.
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:51pmWell, yes and no. There is such a thing as verbal contracts, but they’re much more difficult to prove in court.
I’m assuming lawyers of the caliber Brooks has access to think he can win. My guess would be that he’s got witnesses to his claims.
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:05pmVerbal contracts are legally binding, but like the previous commenter said they’re all but impossible to prove.
In most cases the only way to prove that you had a verbal contract is to get the party that you made the contract with to admit that it was made.
Report Post »Capitalist Mama
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:19pmEven with a legal, written contract, you often have no leg to stand on. The courts system are screwed up.
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on January 19, 2012 at 1:14amSamuel Goldwyn said it best, “Oral contracts are not worth the paper they are written on.”
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:35pmWhy hard on Brooks? If that is what happened, and they promised him they would name the building after his mother, who would not be pissed if they lied? Any of you? Probably not. Stop acting silly.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:44pmEven if I had his money I would not wish anything be named after me or my family. It is an honor that others bestow on you, not something you buy.
I love Garth’s music, but he was always an A-hole. Arrogant and conceited. I suppose that is the price of fame for most…
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:48pmIt’s always about Garth, aparently, even when it comes to charities.
In his first appearance, years ago, on Austin City Limits, I was impressed by his humility and music. It didn’t take very long before he went off the deep end when the fame went to his head and his personality did a 180 degree turn. Personally, I have never cared for him or his music since.
I could understand if he was sueing to get his moms name put on the hospital, but to take the charitable contribution back, only tells me that it wasn’t really about helping people. It was, again, all about Garth. Just ask his ex-wife who has been the best witness to his personality………..
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:32pmALWAYS get it in writing!
Report Post »castle.the.schmuck
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:30pmA compromise is in order, name the hospital after Garth himself, the G. Schmuck Medical Center.
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:28pm$500,000 is a typically low donation relative to having a hospital wing named after someone. If the donation was somewhere in the 3-5 + million dollar range it would seem to have validity, based upon other donations vis-a-vis naming wings. If they showed him a model with the name on it I would think they DO have an obligation to Brooks, as this was presented as their defined plans, even to the point of naming it, using it to “influence” his donation. Otherwise I see it as touching on fraud.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »GrumpyCat
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:56pmDitto. Exactly what I was thinking. Probably a $50M facility named for only $500k?
Those who solicit and accept donations rarely have power of attorney to make such promises. Garth should get his money back. Let him use it to buy a new bus to tour in, and name it whatever he likes.
Report Post »brknhrt
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:57pmThe small amount of the donation also bothers me about this story. I did this kind of hospital work and $500000 would get you a little plaque on the wall, but never a wing, building or even a room.
Report Post »honor007
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:27pmDon’t distort Charity, Garth!!! Giving is giving. You should be quite ashamed of yourself. I am embarassed for you.
Report Post »sapper
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:52pm@HONOR007
just because you give money doesn‘t necessarily mean it’s supposed to be “charity”. Garth obviously was buying the naming of the wing not giving for charity. Charity, by definition, is giving without strings attached. Also, @ some other folks here, an oral contract is still a contract. Much harder to prove but just as valid. If what he says is true then they are in breach and are liable.
NoPaineNoGain
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:57pm@HONOR007
Report Post »Ashamed of himself? Embarassed of him? Yall act like this is the only “charity” Garth Brooks has ever done. If what he says is true, Garth deserves to be refunded. Charities don’t get to manipulate people. If this were to happen to a middle class senior citizen, and the 500k was their life savings, would you expect the recipient of the contribution to honor any implied or insinuated promises? Just because Garth Brooks is rich, doesn’t mean he should be held to a different standard.
sndrman
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:21pmb. HUSSAIN o. come on capitalize on it oh i shouldn’t use his highness,majesty,holliness(spelled incorrect as not to decive who the real holy one is) but you can’t use capitol and b. HUSSAIN o. in the same sentence…….. this prez can say that the hospital is cutting of limbs to make money… i trust and beieve what Garth is saying(not really a country music fan but am aware of some of it.)truth. when ever a orazanazition starts talking in talking points usually tells me their not telling the truth. thats alot of money to give and the hospital to be sneaky underhanded. maybe had they been fair they could have gone back to the well for upgades maybe new machines etc….
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:26pmHuh?
Nevermind….
(Today’s lesson in communication brought to you by the letter C).
Report Post »grabyrgun
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 3:27pm@sndrman: what in the world are you smoking?
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:19pmI don’t think you realize how idiotic this makes you look Mr. Brooks.
Report Post »randy
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:35pmWhy’s that?
Report Post »If they showed him a building with is Mothers name on it prior to him giving half a million, then a building should be named after him. Me, I can only afford one of two of the bricks
Rowgue
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:13pmGiving money to get your name (or a family member’s name) on a building is just plain creepy. If a building is going to be dedicated in someone’s name it should be done as a geniune act of gratitude, not as a quid pro quo.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:17pmHospital Goons====Obamanomics
Report Post »ThePostman
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:17pmCorporations, while useful, cannot be trusted unless it is in iron-clad writing. And even then, they will try to negotiate terms of termination. Lawyers. America would be better off without them.
Report Post »javasport
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:16pmWrite him a check and have some cancer ridden kid wheel it up to him in front of the cameras. Unconditional gifts are that. Unconditional. If he paid the hospital $500K with a condition of naming rights, I hope he didn’t claim a charitable donation on his taxes. What a dbag.
Report Post »PhoenixFire21
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:39pmJavasport, I don’t know if you took the time to read the article but it said in the second paragraph that the hospital promised to name a building after his mother. I would consider that to be at the very least a verbal agreement, on the record. How dare you call him a “dbag” for asking that the hospital meets their end of the agreement. It is his money to give as he chooses, and a deal was made. The hospital shouldn‘t have agreed if they didn’t plan on being able to follow through. I don’t think that naming a building in memory of a deceased loved one in exchange for a five hundred thousand dollar donation is too much to ask. If I was in his shoes I’d be right up their behind about it too. Three years later? Come on. How much more paperwork and bureaucracy and “earmark” spending are they going to hide behind? Sounds a lot like the FED. They‘ll be one in the same soon enough if we don’t get B.O. out.
Report Post »Capitalist Mama
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:21pmIt wasn’t an “unconditional gift.” He bought the naming rights with $500K.
Report Post »drago
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:48pm@Capitalistmama
Report Post »Reread what Javasport said…..
ThePostman
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:16pmThe hospital is being really hard-headed on this matter. Why can’t they name a building at the request of a large donor?
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:14pmWe have lost the ability to communicate, and the ethics of handshakes is lost in today’s America. Sad.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:28pmLawyers
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:31pmDAGNEYT, Thank-you for your simple but to the point comment . Very refreshing compared to some of the other ones here today.
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