Blake Anderson calls the investigation that led to his dismissal as Utah State football coach a “farce”

By RALPH D. RUSSO

In its response to the university’s termination letter, it says former Utah State University coach Blake Anderson was fired for “convenience” and not for cause, and that the investigation that led to his firing was a “farce.”

Anderson’s attorney, Tom Mars, posted excerpts from the 70-page response delivered to the school earlier this week on social media on Friday. Anderson’s dismissal was made official on Thursday. Utah State University had notified him on July 2 of its intent to fire him for cause after an investigation found he had violated Title IX guidelines on reporting cases of sexual misconduct.

“These reporting requirements include a prohibition on employees outside of the USU Office of Equity from investigating cases of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence,” the school said. “In addition, Anderson failed to lead the team in a manner that reflects USU’s academic values.”

The response said the university began its investigation last year following an incident in April 2023. The document referenced Kansas’ firing of then-head football coach David Beaty in 2018, calling it the start of a trend in college sports in which schools try to construct reasons to fire highly paid coaches without paying the agreed-upon severance package.

Beaty won a $2.5 million settlement with Kansas. Anderson had a contract through 2027 and his contract included severance pay.

The response said the state of Utah failed to understand the limitations of its policies and violated standards for a professional investigation while “grasping at every straw to find a reason.”

The result, the response said, was false accusations against Anderson.

The response states that Utah State owes Anderson full severance pay – which was $4.5 million last December, according to USA Today’s coaching salary database – and a public apology.

“While I recognize that today’s decision has significant implications, it is the only one that could be made based on the facts. We are committed to moving forward with building a successful athletic program based on student success and integrity,” university President Elizabeth Cantwell said in a statement Thursday.

Anderson, 55, was 23-17 in three seasons at Utah State, winning the Mountain West title. He went 6-7 in each of his last two seasons. In 10 seasons as a college football coach, including seven seasons at Arkansas State, he posted a 74-54 record.

The Aggies open the 2024 season on August 31 against Robert Morris.

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Follow Ralph D. Russo on https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP

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