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 End of the line Gophers' scandal-ridden Haskins agrees to resign
Posted: Friday June 25, 1999 08:33 PM
INNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Clem Haskins, under pressure from accusations of academic fraud in the Minnesota basketball program, agreed today to step down as coach in return for a $1.5 million buyout. University president Mark Yudof said investigators have found no evidence since the scandal broke in March that links Haskins to academic fraud. But Yudof called it "extremely likely" that fraud did occur and said a change was necessary to restore confidence in the university. "It is clear on his watch substantial, numerous violations of our academic code did occur," Yudof said at a news conference. "We thought it's time for a management change." Haskins' departure is effective at the month, exactly three years before his contract was to expire. The settlement, which ended Haskins' 13-year tenure, will be paid by the university's athletic program. Yudof said Haskins had established an "enviable record" as head coach. "He has communicated to his players the goals of playing hard, working hard to achieve career goals, respecting others -- including opponents -- and becoming honorable men," Yudof said. "The university is grateful for the 13 years of service Coach Haskins has provided, and we wish him a future of success and good health." Yudof said investigators had found no evidence linking Haskins with the allegations of academic fraud. "However, it is clear that public confidence in the academic integrity of the University has been eroded by the allegations. In order to restore that public confidence, a change in leadership is warranted," he said. Haskins' fate apparently was decided after two critical meetings within 24 hours at his home. He met Tuesday for three hours with independent investigators Michael Glazier and Donald Lewis. On Wednesday, Haskins and Zamansky met with Yudof and university lead counsel Mark Rotenberg. Reaction from Haskins' peers was sorrow. "Today I feel that the Big Ten has lost a very good coach and a friend," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "I wish him nothing but the best in his future plans." Jim Dutcher, who resigned as Minnesota coach in 1986 after three of his players were arrested on suspicion of rape, said he knows how hard it is to leave a program. "You never take joy in anyone else's misery and I know Clem is a very proud guy and I know he took pride in his program so I know this hurts him." Jim Lord, an attorney for several people who have alleged wrongdoing in Minnesota athletics, called the buyout "bad public policy" without considering a challenge to Haskins' contract. "He orchestrated the scandal and in return they stuffed his pocket so full of money he has to waddle out of Williams Arena," Lord said. Haskins had three years left on a 10-year contract he signed in 1994, retroactive to the 1992-93 season, that contained provisions that several legal experts have described as rare for college coaches. The contract ensured Haskins about $423,000 even if the
university could prove a just-cause firing, and the terms would
have made that process difficult and slow. If Haskins were
terminated without cause, the contract entitled him to about $1.3
million plus several hundred thousand dollars in benefits.
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