Arizona Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-Florence) this week called on the Arizona Board of Regents to investigate Arizona State University (ASU) Athletic Director Ray Anderson for the “raft of improprieties and frankly embarrassing issues” that have occurred under his tenure.
In a letter sent to the board of regents, the agency that oversees state universities, Shope details that Anderson’s actions have troubled him for some time now, so he is calling on the board to investigate these actions and possibly hold someone accountable.
In the letter, Shope cites a number of reasons for looking into Anderson (pictured above), including the “questionable hiring” of head football coach Herm Edwards and the subsequent buyout of Edwards’ contract when Arizona State fired him last season. The university fired Edwards in his fifth season following a lingering National Collegiate Athletics Association investigation into Edwards’ alleged illegal recruiting practices.
The state senator also questioned ASU’s choice earlier this week to self-impose a bowl ban this season and the announcement’s timing, which prevented undergraduates from transferring during the current season.
Shope wrote that the problems during Anderson’s time at the school made him wonder “just what is next and whether anyone is holding anyone accountable.”
Shope called on the Arizona Board of Regents to take action quickly as Anderson’s actions are causing reputational harm to the university.
“I would like answers to what the Board has done or plans to do, investigate what happened, why it happened, should it have happened, and possibly hold someone accountable. The public needs to see action taken. Leadership should immediately be displayed by you and the rest of the Board in taking that action. Without it, it is clear that nothing will be done. Reputational harm is being done to ASU, both at home and nationally,” Shope said.
According to Shope, he addressed his letter to the board of regents rather than to ASU President Michael Crow because he has “lost faith” that the university will take action regarding his concerns.
“Arizona law states, ‘The [Board of Regents] shall have and exercise the powers necessary for the effective governance and administration of the institutions under its control.’ The sad reality is that I have lost faith that action will be taken at the university level, given the near decade of inaction during Mr. Anderson’s tenure, which is why I look to you,” Shope said.
This is not the first time Shope has questioned ASU’s athletic leadership. Early last year, Shope called for Crow to fire Anderson and Edwards for their seeming “total lack of institutional control.”
The Arizona Sun Times contacted Shope for comment but did not receive a reply before press time.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Ray Anderson” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Arizona State University Football Stadium” by davidpinter. CC BY 3.0.
