Purdue News
Purdue News
|
|
July 8, 1999
Assistant men's basketball coach reassignedWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Frank Kendrick, assistant men's basketball coach at Purdue, will be reassigned at his own request to another position within the university, Coach Gene Keady announced today (7/8).
Kendrick, who has been the primary focus of an NCAA investigation of the Boilermaker program, will join the staff of the Purdue Memorial Union as assistant to the director for operations, effective today. The university and Kendrick are preparing for an appeal of findings and penalties announced last week by the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
"Frank came to me at the end of last week and said he believed the best thing for our students and our program would be for him to step aside until the NCAA matter is fully resolved," Keady said. "He is very loyal to our players and to Purdue, and I can only praise him for a courageous decision.
"He wants to stay at Purdue, and fortunately we were able to identify a need within the university that matches his skills very well. The plan is for him to stay in his new position at least until his appeal and Purdue's appeal of the NCAA findings have been resolved. At that time, we'll re-evaluate his status."
Kendrick said he is saddened to leave coaching at this time, but believes that the change is best for all involved. "Purdue basketball is in my blood, and I have never wanted to do anything but help its success," he said. "The best thing I can do for the time being is to step aside. I will also have the time to work with my legal counsel to focus the necessary energy on my appeal of the Infraction Committee's decision and to reflect on my future. I'm just grateful for the chance to stay at Purdue, and I look forward to working with the Union staff."
The NCAA penalties include a one-year ban on off-campus recruiting by Kendrick. Keady said he will reassign assistant Jay Price to Kendrick's duties on an interim basis and move quickly to hire a third assistant to bring his staff to full strength for the upcoming season. Kendrick's new duties at the Purdue Memorial Union will include assisting the director and staff with daily operations.
|
