USU's Pugmire placed on leave

Utah State University Athletic Director Rance Pugmire rolled his SUV Sunday night near Willard and USU officials have placed him on administrative leave pending an investigation to determine if he was driving drunk.

The university announced Thursday that Pugmire had been placed on a paid leave of absence for up to 60 days.

"This gives him the chance to address the issues before him and also gives him a chance to reflect generally on his behavior," USU President Kermit L. Hall said Thursday. "I have a really high expectation of everyone in his position like the one he holds."

Pugmire told Hall about the incident Monday. The two met Wednesday and mutually agreed Pugmire should take a leave pending the outcome of the case.

The 39-year-old Pugmire, in his fifth year in his post, was not injured in the crash.

He was wearing his seat belt, and no one was riding with him, Hall said.

A cursory search of court records shows Pugmire has no previous arrests or convictions for DUI or other alcohol-related offenses, and Hall said he was not aware that Pugmire had a drinking problem.

Hall said it would be inappropriate and illegal to discuss whether Pugmire will enter a rehabilitation program.

"We think this will give him time to reflect on the underlying condition, if there is one, and to address that," Hall said. "My hope is that he can come back — he's been a good contributor to the program."

Turmoil in the athletic director position comes at a bad time for USU. The school is shifting from one athletic conference to another and is in the middle of an important campaign to secure private funding for programs, Hall said. In addition, the winning USU basketball team is headed for the Big West Tournament and maybe the NCAA Tournament.

So officials acted quickly to keep stability in the position and announced Thursday that Fred H. Hunsaker, retired vice president of administrative services, will step in as acting athletic director in Pugmire's absence.

Hall called it a "crucial" time for the sports program. "I need someone in that role who can give some attention to it over the short duration," he said.

Hunsaker said he "is willing to provide leadership and support to a very successful athletic program at this critical time in its growth and development," according to a USU statement. He said he will work to maintain stability in the department while issues involving Pugmire are being resolved.

Pugmire came to USU in 1995 as the assistant athletic director for development and media relations. In 1999, Pugmire replaced Bruce Van De Velde in the athletic director's position.

Pugmire did not return a reporter's phone calls Thursday.

Since his appointment as athletic director, Pugmire has worked with Hall to secure a spot in the Sun Belt Conference for USU's football team. The women's basketball program was also reinstated during his tenure, and facilities in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum have improved.

"I have great respect for what Rance has done," Hall said. "But I also expect people to conduct their affairs in a way that is a credit to the university, and Rance is getting a chance to reflect on that."

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