Evans' exit is official

Disgraced AD gets $237,500 payoff

Damon Evans will receive a $237,500 settlement under a separation agreement and release endorsed Monday morning by the executive committee of the University of Georgia Athletic Association's board of directors.

University president Michael Adams announced the terms on a conference call but did not take questions regarding Evans, who was arrested last Wednesday on a DUI charge and was accompanied by 28-year-old Courtney Fuhrmann, who was arrested for disorderly conduct. He did not address the future leadership of the athletic department but plans to this afternoon at a regularly scheduled media briefing.

Adams did confirm that Evans offered his resignation as athletic director Sunday, which he accepted.

"As I said on Thursday morning, when I first learned of the situation, this is not an example of the type of leadership I expect our senior administrators to set," Adams said.

Evans, 40, began serving as athletic director on July 1, 2004, when he succeeded Vince Dooley, and officially steps down today under terms of the agreement.

The settlement includes a $100,000 longevity bonus for his prior service in accordance with the terms of his contract, which he will receive Aug. 1, as well as three months salary as severance. Last Thursday began a new contract for Evans at $550,000 annually.

"We acknowledge the many positive accomplishments of his tenure," Adams said, "including the increased focus of academic success for student-athletes, the overall financial strength of the athletic department, and the hiring of many very good people as head coaches and senior leaders in the athletic department."

Evans issued a statement Monday afternoon in which he apologized again to Georgia officials, student-athletes and fans.

"It had been my hope since taking the job in 2004 that I would have a long career at UGA," he said, "but because of a serious mistake in judgment, that won't be the case, and I understand that I have a long road to rebuilding my reputation and career. I do want to thank all those who have supported me and the athletic association over the past six years and would encourage all those in our association to remember that they are there for the student-athletes.

"Keep them first and foremost in everything you do. God bless, and 'Go Dawgs.'"

Continue reading by following these links to related stories:

Article: Evans out at Georgia

Article: Georgia should fire Evans now

Article: Evans awaits fate after DUI

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