MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota’s athletics director, Norwood Teague, resigned on Friday, admitting he sent “inappropriate texts” after drinking too much at a recent university event.
Teague, who got the athletics director job three years ago, said in a video statement that he intends to seek help for a drinking problem.
“At a recent university event, I had entirely too much to drink. I behaved badly towards nice people and sent truly inappropriate texts. I’m embarrassed and I apologize to everyone involved. This neither reflects my true character or the true character of this great, great university,” Teague said.
University President Eric Kaler said in a statement that he accepted Teague’s resignation, effective immediately, and that Beth Goetz, the deputy athletics director, would take over for Teague on an interim basis.
Kaler said Teague’s resignation followed reports that he had sexually harassed two non-student school employees recently. He didn’t go into detail about the nature of the harassment.
“To be clear, sexual harassment will not be tolerated at the University of Minnesota and I sincerely regret that our employees experienced this behavior. The University has an explicit policy and a strong code of conduct that articulates our standards. Ensuring a healthy learning, working and living environment for all in our University community is very important,” Kaler wrote.
Teague took over the Gophers’ athletics program in 2012 from longtime athletics director Joel Maturi after spending six years at Virginia Commonwealth University. He made several high-profile moves during his short tenure, including hiring Rick Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, to coach the men’s basketball team.