BREAKING: Rob Spear put on paid administrative leave

University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear has been put on administrative leave for 60 days, effective immediately, according to a news release sent out by UI President Chuck Staben.

The leave is in response to the mishandling of a 2013 sexual assault that made headlines in early March.

“This decision comes as part of a broader effort to better understand the situation within the athletic department and our university at the time of the incidents,” Staben wrote.

Rob Spear

UPDATE:

Spear will be put on paid leave for the 60 days.

Pete Isakson, associate athletic director, will serve as acting athletic director for the duration of Spear’s leave. Brian Foisy, vice president for finance and administration, will manage the finances of the athletic department.

ASUI Sen. Nicole Skinner said Spear’s leave will likely not affect Wednesday’s vote on a resolution that would call for the permanent removal of Spear.

“This was a great move by the university, but at this point, we’re still planning on pushing for the resolution,” Skinner said.

Chuck Staben

Staben said the 60-day examination period will include three areas of focus as written in the news release:

• Continuing an internal review and engaging an external investigator regarding behaviors of concern.
• Engaging an external consultant to help us better understand and bolster our training and support for sexual assault prevention, reporting and response. Our goal is to create and maintain an inclusive community where our students feel supported for as long as they call U of I home.
• Hiring additional help to address the workload in our Office of Civil Rights and Investigations. Another position may be hired in the coming months and we will be providing any additional support this team needs in the interim.

The Argonaut will continue to cover this story as more information becomes available.