Utah State Fires Head Coach for Contractual Violations
Utah State University has made the decision to terminate head coach Blake Anderson for cause, following an investigation into Title IX violations related to a domestic violence incident in April 2023. The school cited significant breaches of Anderson’s contractual obligations, particularly in failing to adhere to employee reporting requirements and manage the team according to the institution’s academic values.
In response to the termination, Anderson and his legal representative, Tom Mars, submitted a detailed 70-page response. Mars expressed disagreement with the school’s decision, alleging that it breached Anderson’s employment agreement and the implied covenant of good faith. Legal action is expected to be taken to challenge the termination.
By firing Anderson for cause, Utah State avoids paying a $4.5 million buyout as per his contract terms. The incident in question involved a former player who was arrested for domestic violence and assault, resulting in the player pleading no contest to the assault charge.
The termination letter from athletic director Diana Sabau and president Elizabeth R. Cantwell outlined how Anderson violated university policy by conducting his own investigation into the matter instead of reporting it to the Title IX coordinator as required. Anderson’s response, on the other hand, argued that the incident didn’t fall under Title IX purview as it occurred off-campus and that he did report it to the deputy athletic director promptly upon learning of the arrest.
In light of these developments, Anderson’s dismissal was met with disappointment by the university, emphasizing his failure to acknowledge his responsibilities as a coach and employee and attempting to deflect blame through excuses. Furthermore, the interim athletic director, Jerry Bovee, who was also involved in the incident’s reporting process, was terminated on the same day as Anderson.
As the search for a new head coach commences, defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling has stepped in as the interim head coach. Dreiling, who brings experience from New Mexico State, now leads the program following Anderson’s successful three-season tenure that included a Mountain West championship in 2021.
The impact of these events on the Utah State football program and the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Anderson and Bovee highlight the importance of upholding contractual obligations and institutional policies in collegiate athletics.
(Photo: Rob Gray / USA Today)
Author : usa-news
Publish date : 2024-07-19 09:32:06
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