I am not a contract lawyer, so this is my recollection from law school, but....
this is my understanding (some speculation with regard to the timetable and because of limited knowledge of what was exactly in signed contract):
the money owed to us was from GO if he left, ND then agrees to pay the buyout
at this time ND and GO enter into a contract and my understanding was the contract was signed last thursday night.
At this time GT becomes a 3rd party beneficiary to the contract even though GT is not a party to the contract
As far as causes of action if someone wanted to go to court it appears that GT would have a case against GO and ND.
GO probably has a case against ND because they "indemnified" him with regard to the buyout clause.
ND could argue that GO was acting in "bad faith" but this is probably weaker then you would think. The contract was probably signed w/o a resume. Hell, his bio was online. I dont think he signed an application (like you do at Mickey D's)
From what I have heard in the media GO gave the bio info to ND AFTER he got there (meaning deal done)
I think ND pays, unless GT wants to let them slide b/c of the whole ugly mess.
If there are any K Lawyers reading this and I have left issues out please let me know. As I stated at the beginning of this post I am NOT a K lawyer.