Spear situation in limbo

It’s been nearly four months since reports surfaced the University of Idaho athletics department mishandled cases of sexual harassment and, in one instance, sexual abuse years ago.

But Athletic Director Rob Spear — who played a role in underreporting the complaints by two former athletes and is at the center of the fallout that ensued — is still on paid administrative leave following an extension of a once-temporary leave as the matter goes through review.

Twice in July, SBOE convened special meetings in executive session with one agenda item: “to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against” people affiliated with UI.

There have been no announcements from the board on what that item specifically pertains to; state board spokesman Mike Keckler declined to specify after Friday’s special meeting on grounds that it is a personnel matter.

Keckler said in an email if any action on the item “is deemed necessary, it will occur in open session and will be properly noticed ahead of time.” The next scheduled board meeting is Aug. 15 through Aug. 16 at Idaho State University in Pocatello, though a special meeting can be called with prior notice.

UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker said she could not comment on if the university is looking into taking further action on Spear’s tenure other than administrative leave.

When asked who has the power to make the decision, Walker said that’s a matter to be discussed between President Chuck Staben and the State Board, which Staben’s an employee of.

Two former female athletes said in March, UI athletics officials handled their sexual misconduct complaints against a former athlete out of accordance with Title IX guidelines.

In complaints by both athletes, it wasn’t clear if the dean of students office was notified to begin a Title IX investigation independent from the police. In the assault case corroborated with video obtained by law enforcement handling it separately, Spear told the Idaho Statesman it didn’t happen.

Associate Athletics Director Pete Isakson has led the department ever since Spear was put on administrative leave in April.

Following Spear’s initial 60-day paid leave, UI President Chuck Staben announced in June Spear’s absence would continue until further notice, as external consultants investigated the department’s mishandlings of the assault case brought forward by former diver Mairin Jameson against wide-receiver Jahrie Level, who was accused by another UI athlete of harassment.

According to UI Faculty and Exempt Salaries, Spear earned $193,024 during the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Spear made $31,729 during his initial 60-day leave, and according to last year’s numbers, earned $528 for every day his leave continued for the remainder of FY 2017-2018. According this year’s numbers, Spear will earn $533 per day, with his annual salary totaling $194,833.

Spear received widespread backlash from the UI student body after Jameson’s story came to light. The ASUI Senate called for Spear’s immediate removal in an April resolution and a student-ran petition separate from the vote called for his removal.

Spear was hired as athletic director in 2003. Following a swell of reporting on the mishandlings, UI President Staben announced his plans to leave in June 2019 — marking nearly five years with the university. Staben said the decision to not renew his contract was unrelated to the mishandlings and was mutual between him and the State Board.

The previous headline of this report was changed for clarity.

Kyle Pfannenstiel can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @pfannyyy. Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brandonmtnhill.