University of Minnesota Athletics
GOPHER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH CHERYL LITTLEJOHN TERMINATED - PRESS RELEASE
5/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 14
Where: East Committee Room, 6th floor, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis
Contact: University News Service, (612) 624-5551
U INVESTIGATION FINDS MAJOR VIOLATIONS; WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH TERMINATED
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL--University of Minnesota Vice President and Chief of Staff Tonya Moten Brown today (May 14) outlined the findings of the university's investigation of National Collegiate Athletics Association rules violations in the women's basketball program and the university's response.
The report, said Brown, found a pattern of deliberate rules violations in the women's basketball program by Head Coach Cheryl Littlejohn. Together, the violations are likely to be considered a major infractions case by the NCAA.
"The university is deeply disappointed and troubled by these findings," said Brown. "Our coaches have an obligation to both know and follow NCAA rules, and the pattern of disregard for the rules that is reflected in this report is simply unacceptable."
In his summary of the key findings, the General Counsel described three categories of infractions:
* Improper offers, inducements or impermissible benefits, including giving student-athletes cash and gifts and the use of third parties such as parents or other student-athletes to obscure Littlejohn's involvement in the violations.
* Interference by Littlejohn in a prior investigation, which constitutes unethical conduct.
* Violations of rules related to limits on practice time and evaluation of prospects. These rules are designed to ensure one team does not have a competitive advantage over others. The NCAA considers their disregard to be a serious infraction.
In response to these findings, the university today terminated Littlejohn for cause, effective immediately, consistent with the provisions of her contract. A search for a new women's basketball head coach will commence this week.
In addition, the university has taken the following corrective actions.
* Reprimanded the compliance director for failure to follow up on one violation identified in the report.
* Placed limits on recruiting, including reducing the number of official visits, evaluation days and coaching staff allowed to evaluate off-campus.
* Enhanced oversight and monitoring of NCAA rules compliance and education for coaches, student-athletes, prospects and boosters.
According to Brown, the university, which is on NCAA probation for academic misconduct in the men's basketball program, is taking these findings seriously and has taken appropriate action.
"These violations are particularly unacceptable at this institution at this time," said Brown. "Given our probationary status and the findings of academic misconduct in the men's basketball program, we are responding more aggressively and proactively to rules violations than ever before."
Allegations of rules violations in the women's basketball program were brought to Women's Athletics Director Chris Voelz by 21 current and former student-athletes in mid-March. The investigation, conducted by the Office of the General Counsel, utilizing outside counsel and internal staff, included more than 50 interviews with 45 individuals. The university has turned this investigation over to the NCAA enforcement office.
WOMEN'S ATHLETICS DIRECTOR CHRIS VOELZ' COMMENTS FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Some eight weeks ago, some 21 young women brought me their concerns. I want to thank them for bringing forward the issues that violated our culture and for having the patience to withstand the last two months of uncertainty. I commit to them that we will find a new coach - one who will have a competitive spirit, yet compassion and commitment to the values of our department and the institution.
I want to let the people of Minnesota know how sorry I am that this ever happened. Ultimately, I am responsible for providing the clear expectations and the environment that should safeguard against such intolerable actions. I am humbled to admit that no matter the checks and balances, it still takes an individual's personal responsibility and accountability to make it work.
I want you to know that I believe our department has a coaching staff and administrative staff filled with responsible and accountable people who have bought into our values and act upon them every day.
We will continue to work each and every day to earn and enjoy the trust of the people of Minnesota.
I made the decision to terminate Cheryl Littlejohn's employment. I did so because to do otherwise would be unconscionable. We cannot tolerate a disregard for rules and regulations that govern our industry.
Some have suggested that this investigation was trumped up to get rid of Coach Littlejohn. I categorically deny that. In fact, in March, I was in the process of evaluating her performance and making a performance-based decision about the future. During this evaluation process and before the University had made a decision about her future, the students came forward with allegations that the coach violated NCAA rules. When confronted with these allegations, the University had no choice but to investigate and determine the truth, and that is what we've done.
Now it's time for me to look forward and for the new leadership of Gopher women's basketball. I intend to look high and low for a new coach and I invite everyone's nominations, not only for the head coach but for those to serve on an advisory team for the selection. The public can reach me through email or leave messages at 612-624-8000.
I feel confident that with our first-class facility, a wonderful prep program throughout the state, the financial support we are willing to give and the talent of our current team, we have an exciting opportunity to attract outstanding candidates. Candidates who can build a program that should rival our competitive and academic successes. All done with integrity, just as our volleyball, hockey and gymnastics and others have done.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYERS' STATEMENT
"The last few months have been difficult because of so much uncertainty. However, there were always things that appeared certain to most of us. One certain thing was the fact that we needed to bring forward the items that violated our culture and expectations in women's athletics. Another thing we felt certain about was that the athletics director and the university would listen seriously to our concerns.
"They have done that and Director Voelz has made a decision which we support.
"We want to thank the assistant coaches who have been supportive and unselfish throughout this process, proving that they only want what is best for the program and the student-athletes.
"We are looking forward to a new coach and are eager to once again represent the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers as the next season rolls around."