It”s obvious the controversy surrounding the University of Idaho Athletic Department isn”t going away anytime soon.
Vandal Football alone has had its fair share of incidents since the school year began a mere six weeks ago. Head coach Paul Petrino was accused of harassing members of the local media, two football players – Dezmon Epps and Isaiah Taylor – were involved in a theft at the VandalStore and an anonymous letter accused Petrino and his coaching staff of verbal abuse, NCAA practice violations, unfair treatment and mismanagement of the team.
As each of the stories unfolded, a question has been posed frequently on social media and online. What is UI President Chuck Staben saying or doing about the behavior in the athletic department?
Although it may appear that Staben has remained silent as the incidents have developed, in a meeting with the Argonaut Editorial Board Wednesday, Staben made it clear that he is not a passive bystander.
In regards to the VandalStore theft, Staben said he approved the consequences for the involved players. He said Petrino and Athletic Director Rob Spear advocated for the chosen disciplinary action, which allowed the players to stay on the team.
The actions of the players were examined through the Student Code of Conduct and Petrino also subjected the players to internal disciplinary action. Taylor decided not to comply with Petrino”s sanctions and left the team.
The course of action decided upon by Staben, Petrino and Spear was one of forgiveness, Staben said.
Though Epps had prior disciplinary problems, he was allowed to remain on the team.
In the meeting Wednesday, Staben echoed Petrino”s statement about the desire and duty to build men of character.
However, forgiveness only goes so far. Staben”s intentions were admirable, but they were the wrong call in this situation.
For other scenarios, the forgiveness route may be effective. He has now established forgiveness as a precedent for future incidents.
Staben has made better calls since.
Staben has shown strong leadership in taking the allegations of the anonymous letter seriously. He said he personally initiated the investigation into the validity of the claims.
The university”s Internal Audit unit will lead the investigation. Staben stressed the unit”s independence as an important factor in the situation. Human Resources and NCAA compliance staff will be part of the investigation, and it will be out of the hands of the athletic department, he said.
Regardless of the outcome, Staben made the right decision to launch the investigation.
When it comes to the leadership of the Athletic Department, Staben said it is important to look over a person”s record throughout the duration of their position.
He said Spear has led Vandal Athletics through rocky waters and is able to run the department on the “modest” budget that is allotted to them.
Staben said Petrino”s position as coach will be evaluated – by both UI and Petrino – when his contract is closer to completion. His contract runs through the end of December 2016.
While Staben was clear he has an eye on the athletic department, and will examine Petrino”s contract, he didn”t offer insight into Spear”s future at UI.
Staben”s responses to questions regarding the Athletic Department seemed genuine and provided some of the insight that was missing as the stories unfolded. The Argonaut appreciates Staben”s willingness to speak – and speak honestly – with Student Media and the university population.
– KH