Utah State tells soccer coach Blake Anderson of intent to fireside

Utah State has knowledgeable soccer coach Blake Anderson of its intent to fireside him after an exterior investigation of alleged noncompliance of Title IX insurance policies “that require full and well timed reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct, together with home violence,” it was introduced Tuesday.

In an announcement, Utah State stated the investigation stemmed from “actions taken in spring 2023” that “violated each his employment settlement and college coverage.” It additionally alleges Anderson violated guidelines that “prohibit staff from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves.”

The college stated Anderson has 14 days to reply underneath phrases of his employment settlement.

Tom Mars, the legal professional representing Anderson, issued an announcement concerning Utah State’s resolution.

“Like all college, Utah State may hearth Blake Anderson for any purpose so long as they paid his buyout,” Mars stated. “Nevertheless, based mostly on the information alleged and the language in Blake’s employment settlement, USU goes to be combating an uphill battle in the event that they attempt to hearth him for trigger simply to keep away from paying Blake what he is owed.

“Stiffing a head coach by blaming him for what his supervisor allegedly didn’t do is a novel method that hasn’t been tried earlier than, however that concept won’t ever maintain up in court docket.”

Deputy athletic director Jerry Bovee and director of participant growth Austin Albrecht have been additionally fired “for violations of college insurance policies associated to the reporting of sexual and home violence and failures {of professional} duties.”

Defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling has been named interim coach for the 2024 season, whereas athletic director Diana Sabau met with the crew and the soccer workers Tuesday to tell them of the information.

“As leaders, we’re accountable for making certain allegations of USU coverage violations are investigated,” college president Elizabeth Cantwell and Sabau stated in a joint assertion. “Right now’s actions are the results of an intensive exterior investigation, and we imagine the proof calls for speedy motion.

“Our job is to fearlessly maintain ourselves and others accountable for his or her conduct and to ensure that, for the sake of our college students and our group, we live the values of our college. Whereas recognizing the affect of those selections on our scholar athletes and soccer program, we’ll proceed to take the steps essential to ship a respectful, clear and successful tradition at Utah State College.”

Anderson, 55, has gone 23-17 in three seasons at Utah State, successful the Mountain West Convention in 2021. The Aggies, nevertheless, have gone 6-7 in back-to-back seasons since, dropping within the Well-known Idaho Potato Bowl to cap final season.

He beforehand served as coach at Arkansas State, going 51-37 from 2014 to 2020. He took a go away of absence previous to the 2019 season simply earlier than his spouse, Wendy Anderson, died after a two-year struggle with breast most cancers.

He has endured one other private tragedy as effectively. His son Cason died by suicide in 2022 at age 21. Anderson then turned an advocate for psychological well being.

Utah State opens the 2024 season in opposition to Robert Morris on Aug. 31 earlier than visiting USC and internet hosting Utah within the following two weeks.

The Related Press contributed to this report.