Compliance with Applicable University
Policies, Procedures and Other Forms of Guidance
We will learn and abide by University andcampus policies and procedures that affect our campus roles
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This means that each member of the campus community
- Seeks clarity on a policy issue rather than disobey the policy
Perspective: A Real World Illustration
A December 2003 Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper article reported on the firing of the head football coach of a public university located in the state of Washington. The former coach participated in a college basketball pool, but denies violating NCAA rules.
The former coach reiterated his belief that an e-mail memo from the university's director of compliance that said participating in a pool outside of the athletic department was within NCAA rules proves his innocence based on a lack of intent.
"The University is trying to get what the NCAA's interpretation is, rather than having this thing run its course, which has been my goal and contention all along," said the former coach.
The NCAA has said that a misinterpretation of a rule is not an excuse for a violation. The coach said, "The NCAA has kind of rushed to judgment as well."
"Several members of the NCAA have already kind of tried and convicted me and I'm not sure that's within the rules of due process. Nor do I think they're really looking at all the facts."
It appears the university fired the former coach with "just cause." That would mean it doesn't have to buy out his contract for its maximum value of $3.6 million. "The provisions (of just cause) are laid out very specifically," a university spokesperson said. "Coaches in revenue sports have similar provisions. There's nothing special about [the former coach's] 'termination with cause' clause in his contract."
The former coach's contract appears to give the university plenty of opportunity to invoke "termination with just cause." His participation in the college basketball pool violates a clause intended to guarantee that all NCAA rules, state laws and university policies are followed.
His contract also says, "In no event shall the employee accept or receive - directly or indirectly - any monies, benefit or any other gratuity whatsoever from any person, corporation, university booster club or alumni or other benefactor, or engage in any other action if such action would violate the NCAA or Pac-10 constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations or interpretations."
The former coach invested $6,400 and won $12,123 during his two years participating in the pools. The former coach told a local radio network that he donated some of his winnings to youth organizations and a school.
Last Revised 5/23/2006