Boulder – The University of Colorado is investigating a claim of sexual harassment against a former employee in the men’s basketball program along with a possible violation in reporting the allegations.
According to a statement from university spokesman Barrie Hartman, the CU office of discrimination and harassment was notified in March of allegations of sexual harassment “involving a former employee in the men’s basketball program.”
Hartman said state law and university policies prevent comment on details of the allegations.
What remains unclear is when coach Ricardo Patton knew about the claim, and how long he took to report it. The Daily Camera of Boulder, citing an unnamed source, reported Wednesday that the allegations had not been reported to university supervisors for eight months. Patton, who has one year remaining on his contract, refused comment Wednesday.
“The office of discrimination and harassment has the issue at this point,” athletic director Mike Bohn said. “We’ll take their lead on action to prevent similar cases in the future.”
CU’s policy on reporting sexual harassment or discrimination violations was toughened in 2003 in the wake of the recruiting scandal centered on the football program.
It states: “All reports or complaints shall be made as promptly as feasible after the occurrence,” but it also allows for delays in reporting a potential violation.
“A delay in reporting may be reasonable under some circumstances, as determined on a case-by-case basis,” it reads.
CU stated it is also investigating “a more recent allegation of discrimination and harassment based on race in the Men’s Basketball Program …”
“The University of Colorado is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working and living environment and will not tolerate acts of sexual harassment against or by any employee or student,” Hartman said in the statement.
Citing sources, the Daily Camera reported Patton made racist statements to players, saying in the past light-skinned black players were consider to be less tough than dark-skinned black players.
The basketball program has been on unstable ground, with Patton’s contract at the epicenter. When asked by Bohn, some players expressed concern with the motivational tactics Patton used during the season.
Saying it wasn’t the right fit for him, freshman forward Calvin Williams asked for, and received, a release from his scholarship. After finishing this semester he said he’s out of Boulder “on the first thing smokin’.”
“As a coach I would think that some players you can cuss,” Williams said. “But then again, some players you have to take a different approach to them. I just think the way sometimes the coaches go about doing things, that probably needs to change. Some of the stuff they say or use, sometimes it’s good motivation and sometimes it’s motivating in the wrong direction.”
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
