SDSU Athletics Director Resigns
May 22, 2003 SAN DIEGO - San Diego State University President Stephen L. Weber announced today that Athletics Director Rick Bay has resigned, effective immediately. Bay's resignation comes a little more than two weeks after the California State University auditor concluded an investigation into the Athletics department by releasing a report that found state property was misused, programs and funds were mismanaged, and other improper activities had taken place in the Athletics department. The university concurred with all of the report's findings and set timetables for implementing the auditor's recommendations for addressing these issues. "Two weeks ago I said I believed the auditor had conducted an appropriate and highly professional audit and that SDSU must address these allegations vigorously," Weber said. "We immediately sought access to the auditor's backup materials so that we could begin to take appropriate actions. Recently, I've had my first opportunity to review some of the documentation from which the auditor drew his conclusions. It suggests numerous activities and practices in the Athletics department that are inconsistent with the goals of our university, and with our obligation to our students, our employees and the citizens of California. These concerns require a clear recognition of the problems and an unwavering resolve to ensure that these problems are addressed. "I have had several meetings with the athletics director and members of his senior management. I made it clear that the university views the auditor's report as raising serious concerns that require a determined response. Unfortunately, it became clear that the athletics director did not share my views with regard to the legitimacy of the audit or the scope of its implications. This divergence was unacceptable and could not continue. Therefore, Rick has decided to step down." Weber made clear that he believed that none of the allegations that he has seen to date pointed to personal wrongdoing on the part of Bay.Weber also has notified senior associate athletics director Jana Doggett that she will not be retained. Equipment room manager Steve Bartel has been placed on leave pending disciplinary action. "I do want to thank Rick for his many contributions to the development of Aztec Athletics over the years," Weber said. "Ironically, at a time when our athletes are enjoying increased success, both academically and on the playing field, when our fans and supporters are contributing at levels never before achieved, and when our athletics facilities are the envy of many in our conference, we have been confronted with a series of facts and allegations that suggest that the NCAA was correct in its assessment that there is a lack of administrative oversight and control within Athletics. "I cannot entrust the considerable job of implementing the auditor's recommendations to someone who honestly disagrees with them. We must ensure that San Diego State University has an Athletics department that is dedicated to meeting the high standards of conduct and performance on and off the field that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans expect and deserve." Weber hopes to name an interim athletics director within two weeks. SDSU's Division of Business and Financial Affairs will temporarily handle administrative issues for the Athletics department. "SDSU is committed to having a Division I-A athletic program worthy of this university and of San Diego," Weber said. "Clearly, there have been abuses in our Athletics department - abuses of trust, of academic prerogatives, and of the obligations we all owe to our students. But these problems revolve around very few individuals. We have two jobs ahead of us: first, to deal with the auditor's recommendations and, second, to ensure that the highly professional, dedicated men and women of our Athletics department can do their important work in an environment that's supportive, productive and accountable." San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since its founding in 1897 SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 62 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future |
