Two years after allegations of questionable physical contact with prospective male students, Ohio University administrators have once again asked Richard Becknell, former associate director of admissions, to sever all involvement with the university.
The OU administration took its latest action after the Office of Legal Affairs received a complaint from one of the alleged victims' mothers that Becknell still was associating with OU students, said Nicolette Dioguardi, associate director of legal affairs. The mother spotted Becknell's name listed as director of club operations on the men's club soccer team's Web site and contacted OU. His name has since been removed from the site.
Allegations of questionable contact and offering prospective male students admission into OU's College of Business arose in 1998 and again in 2003, according to a July 10, 2003, Post article. Becknell invited both men to Ping Center where they engaged in exercises such as stretching, wrestling activities and basketball. Becknell told the student in 1998, who was on the bubble with academic credentials, if he beat Becknell in a game of basketball, he would enroll him into the business college. A similar situation occurred in 2003, but the student said if he pinned Becknell in a wrestling match, he would be accepted into the college.
At that point, the university investigated Becknell's recruiting practices and asked him to resign. After 33 years at OU, he opted to retire in June 2003 but continued his relationship with various OU organizations, including the men's club soccer team, Becknell said.
The separation agreement did not exclude (Becknell) from being on campus or as an adviser
John Burns, director of legal affairs, said last April. OU has no objections with Becknell being a volunteer with club sports. Until this season, Becknell had a 15-year relationship with the soccer team. His titles included coach, adviser and, since his retirement, volunteer. Becknell also is commissioner of the team's league - the Midwest Alliance Soccer Conference - the largest league in the country.
Campus Recreation staff told him a few weeks ago that because of a potential PR problem to step aside Becknell said.
I've chosen to step down until something can be resolved with the president Becknell said.
He said he has not yet been contacted by legal affairs or President Roderick McDavis and his cabinet members, who made the final decision regarding his involvement, Dioguardi said.
I have been consulting with legal affairs
McDavis said. And in my estimate
it's a personnel matter.
President of the team, Bobby Hill, said the team is appalled and has e-mailed McDavis in efforts to have Becknell return as a volunteer. McDavis would not say whether he contacted them back.
We need to focus on the season
but everyone is willing to do whatever they can
from the team to the alumni of the last 15 years
Hill said. Anything to get Rich back.
Becknell said although he hopes the decision is only temporary, he will do whatever is best for the university. I'm a solutions-oriented person; somewhere there is a solution
Becknell said.
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