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Sexual harassment allegations result in resignation of Minnesota AD Norwood Teague

Minnesota Kill Football

Minnesota athletic director Norwood Teague speaks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Minneapolis. Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill has taken an open-ended leave of absence from the team to focus on treatment and management of his epilepsy. The university announced the decision Thursday, before a news conference with Teague and defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys, who will be acting coach. (AP Photo/Star Tribune, Carlos Gonzalez) ST. PAUL OUT MINNEAPOLIS-AREA TV OUT MAGS OUT

AP

Minnesota is now looking for a new athletic director, as Norwood Teague’s resignation was accepted Friday morning by school president Eric Kaler. Two non-student employees at the school filed reports that they’d been sexually harassed by Teague, which ultimately led to his stepping down.

“To be clear, sexual harassment will not be tolerated at the University of Minnesota and I sincerely regret that our employees experienced this behavior,” Kaler said in a statement released by the school. “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.”

Teague arrived at Minnesota in 2012 after a six-year stint at VCU, which included the team’s run to the Final Four in 2011 under then-head coach Shaka Smart. Teague issued a statement to KARE 11 in Minneapolis Friday morning regarding the incidents, which he said took place at a school event about two weeks ago.

“After careful and painful consideration, I’ve decided to leave the University of Minnesota,” he said. “At a recent University event, I had entirely too much to drink. I behaved badly towards nice people and sent truly inappropriate texts.”

“I apologize to everyone involved. This neither reflects my true character or true character of this great, great university.”


According to the report issued by the school Teague sent the staff members sexually explicit text messages, the contents of which were made public in documents released by the school Friday afternoon, and there was inappropriate touching as well. During the announcement of his resignation, Teague stated that he
plans to seek help for his alcohol use which was also seen as an issue by President Kaler.

Deputy athletics director Beth Goetz will serve as interim athletic director until the school finds Teague’s replacement.