Boulder – Colorado men’s basketball coach Ricardo Patton is hoping for a contract extension. That possibility is taking a huge hit.
The current investigation into why it took months for Patton to report a sexual harassment claim in his program is not sitting well with school officials. Although athletic director Mike Bohn said Thursday the offense wasn’t one that would result in Patton’s immediate termination, university spokesman Barrie Hartman said it would affect Patton’s future.
“If the charges against (Patton) are proven to be correct, I’m sure that will be a factor in any decision that is made regarding Ricardo,” Hartman said. “I don’t know how it couldn’t be.”
Hartman didn’t put a timetable on the investigation, being conducted by CU’s Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH), but said he didn’t expect it to be lengthy.
“This is on the urgent list, so I wouldn’t think the timetable is very long,” Hartman said. “This has been given a high priority because the university put out a strong message about reporting these kinds of things and following up on them. This is certainly not one they are going to let fall through the cracks. The chancellor has really made that message loud and clear.”
CU’s policy on reporting allegations of sexual harassment or discrimination was toughened in 2003 in the wake of the recruiting scandal in the football program.
The alleged harassment, involving a former men’s basketball employee, was reported to ODH in March but occurred the previous August.
Neither chancellor Phil DiStefano nor president Hank Brown would comment on the situation while the investigation is ongoing. A claim of racial discrimination and harassment in the men’s basketball program also is being investigated by the ODH.
“Most of this controversy, if you want to call it that, could have been resolved internally and satisfactorily, but some people don’t understand confidentiality,” former assistant coach Mike Frink said. “I’m hoping all of this can be resolved so somehow the program can get on track for an elite season.”
Frink, who recently resigned, refused comment on whether he had any involvement in the case.
“Relative to any confidential personnel matters, they should be just that,” he said. “They should be confidential so supervisors can take care of the situation. I’m not alarmed by anything I’m reading, but I’m disappointed that these issues are so negative for the program.”
Bohn, who will decide whether Patton gets a contract extension past next season, said he doubts the current investigation would lead to Patton being fired.
“It does not appear to be (fireable), but we’ll allow the investigation to be completed,” Bohn said. “But it does not appear to be to that severity.”
Asked why, Bohn did not elaborate, other than to say, “I don’t think it’s inappropriate to review those details until the investigation is concluded.”
Patton has been head coach at CU for 10 full seasons. He could not be reached for comment.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
