Boulder – Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn said the suspension of seven men’s golfers and interim coach Brad Neher for attending a strip club during a road trip last week does not indicate a lack of institutional control or a systemic problem.
“On the contrary, this is an indication that we have zero tolerance for this, and when there is a situation we will take it head-on immediately,” Bohn said Thursday night after returning from a trip to the White House, where the national champion CU ski team was recognized by President Bush.
The seven players and Neher were suspended for violating team rules and athletic department policy. Only senior Edward McGlasson is able to represent the school in The Intercollegiate at Cary, N.C.
Sources close to the team confirmed that the players attended a strip club during a March 27-28 tournament in Stevinson, Calif. McGlasson did not accompany his teammates to the strip club, sources said.
Bohn would not say whether Neher accompanied the players to the strip club because that is a personnel matter. Neher could face further action, Bohn said.
John Tolan, father of Derek Tolan, one of the suspended players, said: “As a parent, I don’t take this lightly. It’s not like college kids won’t do these things. But with CU’s reputation (including 2004 reports of football recruits being taken to a strip club on their official visit), it’s going to be magnified.”
The “standard team rules” section of the CU athletics department mission statement applied includes: “Conduct yourself in such a manner that would uphold or enhance the traditions and ethical standards of the University, the athletics program and your team. Do not bring discredit to the University or cause harm to its reputation.”
At the beginning of each school year, student-athletes are given a packet that includes the mission statement.
Neher, 34, earned two letters on the CU golf team from 1992-94. He was promoted from assistant coach to interim head coach following the death of longtime Buffaloes coach Mark Simpson in December.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
