USU to move forward with firing of coach Blake Anderson
Jul 18, 2024, 7:07 PM | Updated: Jul 19, 2024, 12:26 pm
LOGAN — Utah State University notified Blake Anderson Thursday that it is moving forward with his termination as head coach of its football team, according to a statement from the school.
The university announced its intent to fire Anderson two weeks ago after an investigation into alleged noncompliance with Title IX policies stemming from actions taken in spring 2023. Tuesday the school said it received a 70-page response from Anderson.
Thursday the school said in a release that the action was based on significant violations of his contractual obligations related to the school’s reporting requirements.
“These reporting requirements include a prohibition on employees outside the USU Office of Equity from investigating issues of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence,” USU said. “Additionally, Anderson failed to manage the team in a manner that reflects USU’s academic values.”
Very disappointing. pic.twitter.com/gwc4JHO8t3
— Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) July 19, 2024
The university said it provided Anderson with written notice of its intent to terminate with 14 days to respond. USU said this action was consistent with its employment agreement.
The school said:
To USU’s disappointment, Anderson’s response failed to acknowledge his responsibilities as a USU employee and as a head coach and instead sought to make excuses and unsuccessfully recast the clear language of USU’s policies.
“While I recognize that today’s decision has a significant impact, it is the only one that could be made based on the facts,” USU President Elizabeth Cantwell said. “We are committed to moving forward in building a winning athletics program grounded in student success and integrity.”
Anderson’s legal representation released a reaction on social media platform X Thursday evening.
“Coach Anderson’s legal team believes this decision – as well as USU’s deliberately inflammatory July 2nd press release – violate the terms of Coach Anderson’s Employment Agreement and the implied covenant of good faith. We will be pursuing all available legal remedies on his behalf.”
Excerpts from Anderson’s 70-page response were posted by his legal representation on Friday. “Full response to follow with attached exhibits, which include USU’s termination letter, investigation summary, court records, and witness statements.”
Excerpts from Coach Blake Anderson’s 70-page response to USU’s termination letter. ⬇️
Full response to follow with
attached exhibits, which include USU’s termination letter, investigation summary, court records, and witness statements. https://t.co/tJJMElgxnV pic.twitter.com/HrdVVGFFOF— Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) July 19, 2024
