BOULDER — A former University of Colorado club ski team coach who says he was forced to resign over “ethical misconduct” allegations is now the subject of a criminal investigation over whether he misappropriated more than $100,000 in dues paid by student athletes.
Palmer Hoyt, 33, is accused of paying himself and other coaches from an unauthorized external bank account that he set up on behalf of the CU Freestyle Ski Team, a club team that has no connection to the university’s top-ranked NCAA ski team.
In an interview with the Daily Camera, Hoyt acknowledged supplementing his $2,100-a-year CU salary with money from the club ski team’s account and admitted to withdrawing $50,000 within days of resigning in November 2013.
But Hoyt denied any wrongdoing, saying the university understood the arrangement and that he believed the team owed him the $50,000.
The director of CU’s club sports program at the time said he was unaware of the private bank account, which is not allowed under university policy.
CU officials declined to address Hoyt’s characterization of the reasons behind his departure, which he said involved allegations that he touched athletes inappropriately.
“This all stems out of resentment, and accusations were made that aren’t true … so that other people could take over the team,” Hoyt said. “And all the monies that were paid to me were legitimate and should have been paid and have a basis for having been paid. It was legal.”
More than a year later, with a criminal investigation underway, team members and their families are still trying to understand how their former coach, confidant, friend and mentor could take their money.
“I paid for my son to be able to compete doing something he loves,” said Jean Willis-Brown, whose son Jeremy competed on the team for many years and is now a coach. “We paid those fees for the athletes, not for (Palmer). I’ve met Palmer several times, and I didn’t think he was capable of being so selfish. You assume that, as a coach, he would have the kids’ best interests at heart. He clearly proved that his interest is totally self-serving.”
The Boulder County district attorney’s office and CU confirmed that they’re working with the Boulder County sheriff’s office on the investigation, but each declined to provide many details about the open case.
External bank accounts are not allowed under university policy, according to the club sports handbook. All club dues, donations, gifts and money gathered through fundraising are expected to be held in accounts overseen by the university.
