A new bombshell report accuses the former athletic director at the University of Maryland College Park of misusing funds from the athletic department.
The university released a statement saying on August 29, 2017, the administration first learned that the then-Athletic Director, Kevin Anderson, had used money from the department to hire lawyers to represent two student-athletes accused of sexual misconduct.
The university's student newspaper, the Diamondback, reports Anderson allegedly used $15,000 to pay for the lawyers.
Maryland says they were not told or consulted on the original decision to hire and pay for the lawyer:
"NCAA bylaws allow member institutions to pay for legal counsel for proceedings that might affect a student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics. However, the decision to hire this lawyer showed a serious lack of judgement in a sexual misconduct case, given the university’s commitment to a fair and impartial handling of all such matters."
On September 27, 2017, the President's Office found out that Anderson had not cut ties with the attorney like he had been asked. An investigation was then immediately launched to determine why this happened.
Maryland continued to say in their statement that the sexual misconduct case has been handled independently, and impartially, without any favoritism.
"Legal representation is common in proceedings related to sexual misconduct, and while lawyers can advocate for the rights of the accused, they do not determine the outcome or verdict. That is the job of our independent Standing Review Committee."
The University President and Board of Regents found out about this after Anderson allegedly withdrew the money. Anderson resigned this past April.
