Minnesota Golden Gophers: Norwood Teague Resigns From Athletic Director Position
The unexpected bombshell that will not be beat for a long while was dropped on Friday morning. It was first hinted at by a Charley Walters tweet and then it was confirmed. Norwood Teague has resigned as Athletic Director of the University of Minnesota effective immediately.
Don't be surprised if the University of Minnesota on Friday morning announces the resignation of athletics director Norwood Teague.
— Charley Walters (@Charley_Walters) August 7, 2015
And then Jana Shortal of KARE-TV kicked this story’s butt.
Just spoke with @GoldenGopherAD Norwood Teague: "I had too much to drink and sent inappropriate texts.." pic.twitter.com/scKHJiqkud
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
Before reading his statement Teague GoldenGopherAD said "I honestly can't remember half of it but that's no excuse" pic.twitter.com/VTmlGtaMBA
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
To summarize the whole situation, Norwood Teague sent out text messages while drunk to two University of Minnesota employees. The messages were sexually explicit by nature and Teague resigned after two incidents of sexual harassment.
Teague says that he will seek help for his intake of alcohol and reassess his life and career.
The University’s President made a statement about the situation.
"Im deeply disappointed in this turn of events...sexual harassment at the U of M will not be tolerated." Pres. Kaler pic.twitter.com/CrgAPC4NxF
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
Teague does not get a termination package, but does keep some benefits.
No termination package for Norwood Teague. But "because it was a health issue" -- will keep some health benefits.
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
The former VCU athletic director could still be used as a consultant by the University of Minnesota.
Norwood Teague could be used as a "consultant" in the future for the U of M at an hourly rate.
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
The texts have been released to the media and more and more will come out. Here’s just a quick example of what was going on from Teague’s phone.
https://twitter.com/APkrawczynski/status/6297124660423516
Beth Goetz has been named the interim AD for the school. She has a long record of working in athletic departments around the country.
She was Assoc AD at Butler. Been in Senior Level of Gophers AD since '13. BA from Brevard College & Clemson. https://t.co/11mzzHFKQu
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
Finally, the resignation letter for Teague himself.
The resignation of Norwood Teague. pic.twitter.com/heZRFUs8FV
— janashortal (@janashortal) August 7, 2015
Not to overlook what happened, but this is a sports site and this goes way beyond sports except for one thing. The now open AD position and as already many have said, this is an attractive position. There are only so many power conference jobs and Teague has set up the program to be in good shape with the football team and the basketball team in a solid position at the moment.
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