COLLEGE SPORTS

‘We have to be accountable’: USU athletic director stands by firings, promises change

Jul 26, 2024, 6:14 PM | Updated: 6:48 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — In the wake of several high-profile firings at Utah State University — including head football coach Blake Anderson — the college’s athletic director says USU is committed to properly investigating assault allegations and holding people accountable.

Asked whether the university can be trusted to handle these cases properly, Diana Sabau said yes.

“I have full commitment and faith in our university leadership, our board of trustees, that we are changing the culture,” said Sabau, athletic director and vice president at USU.

Since 2016, the university has been under a microscope for how it has handled assault allegations. Since then, it has made sweeping changes to policy, procedure, and intervention with oversight from the U.S. Department of Justice.

USU to move forward with firing of coach Blake Anderson

In a one-on-one interview Friday, Sabau addressed the recent firings of three athletic staff, including head football coach Blake Anderson.

Sabau told KSL that the firings are the result of an independent investigation that found mistakes were made, and the university stands by its decision.​

“We have to be accountable, and we have to be transparent, and if there was not going to be action taken on this, what does that mean for USU’s future.”

The outside review commissioned by the university found Anderson did not properly report an assault allegation involving a former player to the school’s Title IX office and instead investigated the report himself – even contacting the victim. Anderson has previously said he believed he handled it appropriately and was trying to determine if he needed to suspend the player.

It’s still not clear if Anderson will receive the millions stated in his contract buyout. His attorney has said he will pursue legal action against the school.

Sabau said there is no gray area when it comes to what coaches and staff are supposed to do.

The university has worked extensively with the DOJ since 2017, she said, to make sure staff is properly trained and when those protocols aren’t followed there must be consequences.

“I don’t know if there is an athletics director in the country, especially in their first year, that would want to remove the football coach and have employment actions in July. The timing is not ideal. But we have to create a culture of transparency and accountability,” she said.

Sabau said the DOJ has extended its commitment with the university for another year, meaning it will remain on campus to ensure all policy and procedures for the Title IX office are being followed and assault allegations are properly handled.

“We are willing to make the tough decisions so that it doesn’t keep happening, that we’re not tolerating when it does happen,” Sabau said.

KSL 5 TV Live

College Sports

The Wayne Estes Center at Utah State University on Sept. 24, 2024. (KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

USU volleyball player speaks out on alleged transgender lawsuit

A Utah State volleyball player is now speaking out after joining a lawsuit trying to sideline an athlete they claim is transgender.

3 months ago

San Jose State head coach Todd Kress, center back, talks to his players during a timeout during the...

Mead Gruver and Amy Beth Hanson, Associated Press

Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player

A judge has rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on claims that she’s transgender.

3 months ago

Banners are pictured hanging on the Utah State University campus in Logan on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 20...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Gov. Cox, legislative leaders ask USU to intervene in athlete’s lawsuit over volleyball player

Three top Utah leaders have asked Utah State to intervene on behalf of a volleyball player who is suing to prevent a San Jose State student from participating in a tournament.

3 months ago

FILE — A sign greets visitors to the campus of Utah State University in Logan on Thursday, Nov. ...

Daniel Woodruff

USU volleyball player says she was scolded for speaking out about transgender issues

A Utah State University women’s volleyball player is part of a new lawsuit that aims to prevent a San Jose State University player from participating in a tournament later this month

3 months ago

The BYU head cheerleading coach being hit in the head by a water bottle during Saturday's game agai...

Daniel Woodruff

U of U police arrest man accused of throwing water bottle that hit BYU cheer coach

University of Utah police have arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of assault in connection to a water bottle that hit Brigham Young University’s head cheerleading coach.

3 months ago

Mark Harlan makes remarks after BYU vs Utah rivalry game on Nov. 9, 2024, stating he was "disgusted...

Shelby Lofton

Utah athletic director fined; police investigating alleged incident after BYU rivalry game

After an initiative was made addressing sportsmanship ahead of the BYU vs. Utah rivalry game, post-game fallout is challenging whether it was taken seriously.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

‘We have to be accountable’: USU athletic director stands by firings, promises change