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 The debate continues Minnesota regents discuss buyout of Haskins' contract
Posted: Saturday June 12, 1999 04:31 PM
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- University of Minnesota regents aren't debating the wisdom of negotiating to buy out the contract of men's basketball coach Clem Haskins, one regent says. Regent Robert Bergland offered a reason. An investigation into the academic fraud allegations involving the basketball team isn't expected to be completed until September. "In the meantime, the basketball program just twists in the wind and coach Haskins twists with it. That's not a very pleasant thing either," he said. Meanwhile, Haskins' attorney, Ron Zamansky, told the Star Tribune the coach does not intend to quit. "We are not negotiating," Zamansky told the newspaper. "Clem wants to continue coaching." Haskins has been heavily sedated since having knee-replacement surgery Tuesday and hadn't heard or read any reports about the possibility of his contract being bought out, Zamansky said for a story published today. Bergland, a former U.S. agriculture secretary and Minnesota congressman, generally dislikes the idea of buyouts. "I see it happening in business. I see these guys running these corporations into the ground, and they fire them with a big bonus," he said. But regents voiced no reservations when they met behind closed doors Thursday for a status report on the negotiations, Bergland said. "I think the clear overwhelming consensus was that we're going to wait until the president gets what he needs for decisions, and then we'll find out in more detail what's happening and counsel with him on what to do," Bergland said. In an open meeting to discuss gender-equity goals, McKinley Boston, vice president of athletic and student affairs, did not comment on the buyout negotiations and declined to answer questions later. But academic counselors, faculty and students themselves share responsibility in the allegations of academic fraud involving the team, Boston said during the open portion of the regents' meeting. University President Mark Yudof authorized university general counsel Mark Rotenberg last week to begin negotiations with Zamansky, even though the investigation into the scandal continues. Rotenberg said Thursday no agreement has been reached and there is no timeline for the negotiations. Rotenberg, who gave the status report on the negotiations to regents, declined to discuss their reactions. Regent Patricia Spence made her feelings clear Thursday. "I'm hoping that Clem will resign and can leave the situation with some dignity," she said. Yudof and Rotenberg said the university has not started looking for a replacement for Haskins. "No matter what happens, the investigation will be completed even if something happens and coach Haskins leaves," Bergland said after Thursday's meeting. The investigation is needed so steps can be taken to correct the situation that led to the scandal, Bergland said. "I think just overhauling the academic counseling [unit], which has to be done, is in itself not going to cure it," he said. Boston, though, made it clear that is his focus. "The primary responsibility for academic integrity at the University of Minnesota rests with the Department of Academic Support Services," Boston said during the open portion of the regents' meeting. Boston said others, including faculty, have an important role, too. When Regent William Hogan asked about steps the university can take to help athletes succeed and ensure gender-equity goals are reached, Boston alluded to the scandal. "Unfortunately, student athletes are held to a higher standard," Boston said. But, he said, "at some point, individuals are to be held accountable for their actions." In the meeting, Bergland recalled his own struggle as a freshman from Roseau in adjusting to campus life. He told Boston that student athletes need help in overcoming homesickness and in making adult decisions on behavior. Boston said student athletes have to do their maturing in the spotlight and said they need understanding when they fall short. "I know of only one person who walked the earth who was infallible, and they hung him on the cross. None of us are perfect," Boston said. Boston signed Haskins' 10-year contract in 1994 when he was the men's athletic director. It includes an unusual clause that allows Haskins to receive $423,000 in deferred compensation even if his contract is terminated with just cause. If just cause cannot be shown, Haskins would be entitled to almost $1.2 million, plus benefits. Haskins' contract would increase his buyout by $74,299 if he is released after July 1. And recruitment could be hampered if the coach's status remains uncertain. Haskins has denied any knowledge of academic cheating in his program or improper payments to players. The coach is accused of tolerating and facilitating academic fraud among men's basketball players, misusing booster club money and intervening on behalf of athletes accused of sexual misconduct. Former university employee Jan Gangelhoff said she did course work for at least 21 players from 1993-98, which was confirmed by four players, prompting the university to suspend four other current players from the NCAA Tournament opener against Gonzaga in March.
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