The University of Michigan has decided to move on from athletic director Warde Manuel following the conclusions of the $12 million Jenner & Block investigation commissioned by the university. After 10 years serving as the athletic director for the Wolverines, Manuel will remain in leadership until the end of the year and will step down at year’s end.
In the wake of Monday’s news, Manuel released a statement via an athletic department spokesperson. In his statement, he thanked the interim president Domenico Grasso for allowing him to remain in his role as he helps the university to find a replacement.
I am very proud of all the successes and accomplishments of our athletic department over the past 11 years. We have tremendous coaches and professionals who support our outstanding student athletes every day.
I am happy President Grasso asked me to stay on to work with him to implement the recommendations for continuous improvement. I promise everyone I will have more to say about my decision at the appropriate time.
Forever, Go Blue.
As noted, Manuel served in his role since January 2016, when he took over for interim AD Jim Hackett, who replaced Dave Brandon. Manuel had previously served as UConn’s athletic director.
In his tenure, he oversaw several ‘scandals’ in Ann Arbor, including the football ones colloquially referred to as burgergate and signgate, the Matt Weiss FBI investigation, basketball scandals surrounding Juwan Howard, and a hockey scandal involving Mel Pearson.
He also oversaw two national championships — one in football and one in basketball.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Warde Manuel issues statement in wake of stepping down from Michigan AD
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire | USA TODAY Network
