Read Report Here: 2012 Rose Bowl Incident Review
Response to report dated March 12
UPDATED Tuesday, May 17, 2012 --- 1:15 p.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A law firm has charged the University of Wisconsin-Madison about $43,700 to investigate an athletic official who resigned amid a sexual-assault investigation.
The investigation was conducted by Patrick Fiedler, a former Dane County Circuit judge and current attorney with Axley Brynelson. He was hired to conduct the inquiries into John Chadima.
Fiedler's work from Jan. 9 to March 26 involved meetings and interviews with UW officials, witnesses and reporters. That's according to invoices provided to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Fiedler submitted two reports in which he documented allegations from student employees accusing Chadima of making inappropriate sexual advances and improper touching.
The invoices say the first investigation cost $16,900 and the second cost $26,800.
Chadima resigned after he was suspended in January.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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UPDATED Saturday, March 24, 2012 --- 6:45 a.m.
LA police investigating Chadima allegation
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating an allegation that former Wisconsin athletic official John Chadima sexually assaulted a student employee.
Detective Jesse Alvarado confirmed the investigation to NBC15 and the Wisconsin State Journal (http://bit.ly/GVAwHB) on Friday. Alvarado would not give details, citing confidentiality in sexual assault cases.
Chadima was suspended and resigned in January after a male student employee accused him of grabbing his crotch at a pre-Rose Bowl party at a Los Angeles hotel in December.
In January, an LAPD spokesman told the State Journal the department was not conducting a criminal investigation. But this week, Alvarado said in a letter to a Madison resident that the department had begun a criminal investigation.
Chadima's attorney did not immediately return a message Friday evening.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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UPDATED Friday, March 16, 2012 --- 12:20 p.m.
Here is the statement of Interim Chancellor David Ward regarding the completion and release of the second report of former Judge Patrick Fiedler's independent review on allegations of misconduct by senior associate athletic director John Chadima.
The second report is available here: http://www.news.wisc.edu/assets/5/original/Fiedler_report_2.pdf
"The second independent review team, led by Judge Patrick Fielder, has completed its work and I am now able to release it.
"After learning of an allegation of misconduct involving Mr. Chadima, the university placed him on administrative leave and he subsequently submitted his resignation. We initiated an independent review of the matter (http://www.news.wisc.edu/20238). Following the release of the first report, another adult male came forward with similar allegations. In consultation with the Board of Regents, I asked Judge Fiedler to conduct an independent investigation of this allegation and any related allegations and asked him to include the UW Police Department or other law enforcement authorities in his work. He worked with a detective from UWPD and one from the Dane County Sheriff's Department.
"It is my understanding that no criminal charges have been filed.
"The second review team has concluded its work and submitted its report to me and to the Board of Regents. Pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law, Mr. Chadima was provided notice of our intent to release the report. Today, through his attorney, Mr. Chadima agreed to waive the waiting period that would have delayed the release of this document.
"Upon review of the second report - and further review of the first report - it is clear to me that our decision to remove Mr. Chadima from his workplace and conduct independent investigations was the prudent course of action. We take all such allegations of misconduct seriously and we will continue to respond in what we feel is the appropriate manner. Specifically, we are committed to ensuring that we provide a safe and secure work environment for our students, faculty and staff.
"Moving forward, I have asked Vice Chancellor for Administration Darrell Bazzell to lead an internal review of our campus policies related to alcohol. While both reports indicate the processes for reporting worked well, I have asked Chief University Counsel Lisa Rutherford to review the procedures and make any necessary adjustments.
"This has been a very difficult time for everyone involved, particularly the alleged victims. Throughout this process, it was my intent to provide the highest level of transparency possible without compromising the integrity of the process.
"I again want to thank the teams for their work and to those who have provided valuable information to these review teams."
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UPDATED Friday, March 16, 2012 --- 9:45 a.m.
NBC15 received the following statement from Charles W. Giesen, Attorney for John Chadima.
Response to report of investigation dated March 12, 2012:
As we always expected, after an exhaustive investigation the interim chancellor's committee concluded there were not "any other allegations of sexual impropriety or abuse of authority by John Chadima." We hope that the investigation will not overshadow John Chadima's 22 years of loyal and dedicated service and commitment to the University of Wisconsin, service that has gone unrecognized during this unfortunate process. John's devotion to the University of Wisconsin is exemplified by the fact that more than a year ago, John named the University of Wisconsin as the single largest beneficiary in his Will.
During his tenure with the University of Wisconsin, John has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the lives of multitudes of student athletes, staff, alums and supporters of the University of Wisconsin. The fierce loyalty and appreciation for John by those who have come to know him well over the years is exemplified by the many unsolicited letters of support sent on John's behalf to the investigative committee. Those positive comments about John were regrettably not included in the report to the interim chancellor. Unfortunately, only those anonymous and negative comments were recounted in any detail. To correct that imbalance, examples of the statements received in support of John are being provided (click on the link above marked: Response to report dated March 12). The people who have expressed their unwavering support of John Chadima feel no need to hide behind a cloak of anonymity.
It is regrettable that the University has given the weight it did to these anonymous allegations. It is implausible to believe that a 20-something former college football player would cover and lock himself in a bathroom because of a claimed fear of a 5'9" 170 pound 45 year old man who was supposedly intoxicated.
John Chadima's personal statement is attached. John is not entirely without fault and human frailties, but her has paid a dreadfully disproportionate price. We trust that the investigative report and its conclusion that there are not other allegations against John Chadima will bring this matter to an end.
Charles W. Giesen
Attorney for John Chadima.
************
Statement of John Chadima:
During the past weeks, I have struggled to address anonymous allegations of matters about which I have no specific recollection.
Throughout this ordeal, the countless messages of support and encouragement from family, friends and former colleagues during this most trying time in my life have been overwhelming.
The words have fueled my commitment to seek help through counseling, in particular for alcohol, stress management and especially faith based guidance.
It is important to do that by strengthening my faith and helping me find a peaceful balance in life personally, professionally and spiritually.
The personal losses I have incurred the past several months have been balanced by the outpouring of support from so many members of the Badger family. For that support, I am eternally grateful.
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UPDATED Monday, March 12. 2012 --- 4:34 p.m.
News Release from UW-Madison:
INTERIM CHANCELLOR WARD RECEIVES SECOND FIEDLER REPORT
MADISON - Interim Chancellor David Ward received a second report Monday outlining an investigation of two additional misconduct allegations against senior associate athletic director John Chadima.
Retired Dane County Circuit Judge Patrick Fiedler, who conducted the first investigation, also led this review.
Chadima was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned in January.
Below is a brief statement from Ward outlining the process going forward.
"The university will publicly release the second report as soon as it legally permissible to do so.
"Because the allegations arise out of Mr. Chadima's employment at the university, the university is legally obligated to provide a notification to him that the report will be publicly released.
"That notification, which took place today, is consistent with past university practice and provisions of the Wisconsin Public Records law, which provide Mr. Chadima with up to 10 days to file a court action objecting to the release of the report."
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UPDATED Thursday, February 23, 2012 --- 11:35 a.m.
The UW-Madison has released hundreds of text messages to and from former top athletic official John Chadima's phone.
One exchange details how Chadima threatened to fire an employee if he did not come to his room on December 30th.
Messages sent from the phone within a minute of each other read “get ur [Expletive] up here” and “come up here now!”
Minutes later, a message sent from the phone said “you are fired. sending you home on a greyhound tomorrow.”
The employee replies “[Expletive] hahaha guess I'm transferring to Pitt lol.”
The reply from Chadima's phone then reads “b4 i was kidding, but now i am serious..u need to leave first thing tom...”
The employee then sends two messages back, saying “I was also kidding sir” and “Really sorry didn't mean anything by it just a joke sorry.”
The next message from Chadima's phone says “u hv 5 min to get ur [Expletive] to my room, or ur fired...”
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UPDATED Thursday, February 23, 2012 --- 9:00 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Newly released records reveal that University of Wisconsin officials never issued a reprimand to former top athletic official John Chadima for a 1998 incident in which he allowed a star football player to drive his truck while drunk.
The Wisconsin State Journal reported Thursday (http://tiny.cc/b8fze) on records it received from UW-Madison. Those records contradicted statements made by then-Athletic Director Pat Richter who said after the 1998 incident that Chadima would be issued a letter of reprimand.
Chadima resigned last month after a male student employee accused Chadima of sexually assaulting him at a pre-Rose Bowl party in December. Since then, police have said they are investigating two other complaints of sexual impropriety against Chadima.
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Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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UPDATED Thursday, February 9, 2012 --- 11:10 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison says a third allegation of misconduct has surfaced against a former top athletic official.
Chancellor David Ward said in a statement Thursday that university police are investigating a new allegation involving John Chadima. Ward says the UW Police Department believes the allegation is credible.
A message left with Chadima's attorney, Charles Giesen, was not immediately returned.
Chadima resigned after he was accused of sexually assaulting a male student at a Rose Bowl party. Ward says the latest allegation involves Chadima and an adult male.
Ward is urging anyone who many have been a victim or who has information about inappropriate conduct by Chadima to contact university police.
Online court records do not show that Chadima faces any criminal charges.
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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UPDATED Thursday, February 9, 2012 --- 11:08 a.m.
STATEMENT FROM INTERIM CHANCELLOR DAVID WARD ON THIRD CHADIMA ALLEGATION
MADISON - Here is a statement issued today (Thursday, Feb. 9) by Interim Chancellor David Ward:
"I have been informed by the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) that it is investigating a third allegation involving John Chadima and an adult male. The UWPD deems the allegation to be credible.
As previously stated, university police continue to investigate all allegations of sexual impropriety or abuse of power brought to their attention.
We are urging anyone who may have been a victim or anyone with information about inappropriate conduct by Mr. Chadima to come forward. We continue to urge victims and people with information to contact the UWPD -- regardless of when or where the alleged inappropriate conduct took place -- by phone at 608-262-2957 or by email at uwpolice@mhub.uwpd.wisc.edu.
An alternative reporting arrangement can be made by contacting former Dane County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Fiedler at 608-262-3017 or by email at report@general.wisc.edu."
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UPDATED Monday, February 6, 2012 --- 11:55 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Police are investigating new accusations against a former University of Wisconsin athletic official.
John Chadima resigned as associate athletic director on Jan. 6 after a male student employee accused him of grabbing his genitals during an alcohol-fueled party before the Rose Bowl.
Chancellor David Ward said Monday that campus police have been investigating a second allegation of misconduct against Chadima since Jan. 30. Ward said only that the allegation involved an adult male.
He says he has appointed a former judge to conduct an internal investigation. Vince Sweeney, vice chancellor of university relations, declined to elaborate.
Chadima's attorney didn't immediately return a message.
Statement from Interim Chancellor David Ward:
MADISON - Here is a statement issued today (Monday, Feb. 6) by Interim Chancellor David Ward:
"I have been informed by the University of Wisconsin Police Department that it is investigating a second allegation involving John Chadima and an adult male.
"Police have corroborated many of the details of the individual's story and believe it to be credible. As in the Rose Bowl case, the individual was apprised of his legal right to press charges, but has chosen not to do so, at this time.
"We take all reports of this sort seriously. Since Monday, Jan. 30, university police have been investigating the latest allegation, in consultation with the Dane County District Attorney's Office. The university police will continue to investigate all allegations of sexual impropriety or abuse of power brought to their attention.
"With this most recent news coming on the heels of receiving the report of the Rose Bowl incident, and after consultation with the leadership of the Board of Regents, I am taking these immediate steps:
"I have asked former Judge Patrick Fiedler to conduct an independent investigation of these and any related allegations. He will be joined in this effort by two investigators. I have asked him to summarize the results of his inquiry in a report to me and to the Board of Regents.
"We are urging anyone who may have been a victim or anyone with information about inappropriate conduct by Mr. Chadima to come forward. We recognize that not all victims or people with information wish to report to the police, although I would encourage them to do so. In addition to contacting UW Police, former Judge Fiedler is available to accept reports and information. To contact the university police, phone (608) 262-2957 or email report@general.wisc.edu. To contact Fielder call (608) 262-3017."
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 25, 2012 --- 6:25 p.m.
By CHRIS JENKINS
AP Sports Writer
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Penn State scandal certainly caught the attention of officials at Wisconsin, compelling them to review and reinforce protocols for reporting sexual assaults and think about how they might handle a scandal of their own.
It didn't take long.
According to a report released by the school Tuesday night, a male student employee accused athletic department official John Chadima of grabbing his genitals at an alcohol-fueled party while the team was at the Rose Bowl. Chadima has resigned and issued an apology without acknowledging the specific allegations in the report.
Wisconsin vice chancellor for university relations Vince Sweeney said Wednesday that school officials spent time discussing the situation at Penn State, where former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was accused of sexually assaulting young boys for years.
The discussions may have left Wisconsin better prepared to handle the Chadima situation than they would have been a year ago, he said.
"There's no question there's a different environment in which we live," Sweeney said.
Sweeney said the school now is reviewing its policies on the availability of alcohol at off-campus university events. Officials also will try to clarify procedures for reporting incidents of sexual misconduct to avoid confusion.
"It worked, and it worked very well, but there's room for improvement," Sweeney said.
Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez issued a statement Wednesday night, saying he was disappointed in Chadima's "highly inappropriate" behavior.
"I am pleased that the review team found that our athletic department staff acted appropriately and swiftly in reporting the allegation," Alvarez said. "We have stressed to our employees the importance of reporting any allegations or incidents that involve staff members or occur in our facilities and I am glad the proper action was taken. I also commend our staff for their continued support of the individual who brought this allegation forward."
Alvarez disputed one finding of the Chadima report, which said he was aware of the party Chadima was hosting.
"I did not know that some of our student employees were involved," Alvarez said. "That is unacceptable and our staff will be educated about the inappropriateness of such behavior."
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 31; the school placed Chadima on administrative leave on Jan. 6 and he resigned later that day. Chadima apologized in a statement and said alcohol "had controlled and consumed my life."
Although it took nearly a week for officials to report the incident to the highest levels of the school's administration, an independent panel called the school's response "nearly a model of how we might hope all such cases would be handled."
According to the review, the delay in reporting the incident came in part because the student didn't want to cause a distraction before the Jan. 2 game.
Sweeney said the student was not pressured to keep his allegations quiet for the sake of the football team, and officials did the right thing by complying with the student's wishes not to take action until after the Rose Bowl.
"Absolutely," Sweeney said. "They got that right."
While the report generally praises officials for their response, it also recommends that the school work to "make it clear what must be reported and when" and resolve confusion about when somebody reporting a sexual assault is guaranteed confidentiality.
Even before the Chadima incident, Wisconsin officials were monitoring the unfolding scandal at Penn State, where Sandusky has been charged with molesting 10 boys over a period of 15 years. Included in the Chadima report were documents from UW-Madison police chief Susan Riseling and UW dean of students Lori Berquam, both issued in mid-December.
Riseling's memo, addressed to UW-Madison deans and directors, referenced "allegations of abhorrent crimes by an assistant coach at Penn State," and stated that any employee who witnesses or receives a report about a sexual assault are required by law to report the incident to the dean of students.
Berquam's message referenced "disturbing allegations regarding sexual assault that have arisen at other campuses across the country." She summarized her message as: "If you see something, say something."
According to the report, Chadima hosted and provided alcohol at a party for staff and student employees at his hotel suite in Los Angeles. Some of the guests were under age 21.
Sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Dec. 31, the student was leaving along with the last few people at the party when he said Chadima asked him to stay and have a drink. According to the report, Chadima later said he thought the student was gay, and said some of the other student employees thought he was gay, making the student "uncomfortable and defensive."
The student said Chadima reached over and removed the student's belt, putting his hands inside the student's pants and touching his genitals. The student said he slapped Chadima's hand away and swore at him -- to which he said Chadima replied, "I could have you fired."
He quickly left the room and went to the hotel room of his supervisor to describe the incident.
The student told the committee that he "had not wanted anything done at the Rose Bowl about this incident that might distract from the team's participation in the Rose Bowl, that he was pleased and satisfied with the support he had received from (name redacted) and his fellow student employees, and that he was confident that his report would be appropriately dealt with when they returned to Madison."
After returning to Madison Jan. 3, two officials whose names were redacted called UW police lieutenant Jason Whitney on the morning of Jan. 4; Whitney "emphasized the importance of acting promptly." But the unidentified officials felt uneasy about reporting the incident without alerting officials in the athletic department and told Holly Weber, the athletic department's human relations director.
Weber said she would discuss it with senior university legal counsel John Dowling and asked them to wait before contacting the dean. The two unnamed officials then met with the dean Jan. 6.
"This was a very difficult and stressful situation for them, to have to hear and need to report such an allegation about Chadima," the report said. "In our view, the fact that they responded as they did under these circumstances and without hesitation in supporting John Doe and carrying out their reporting obligations demonstrates their professional integrity."
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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UPDATED: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 --- 6:00p.m.
STATEMENT FROM BARRY ALVAREZ:
I am saddened by the allegations that have resulted in the resignation of John Chadima. John worked for the University of Wisconsin Department of Athletics for 22 years, many of them under my direct supervision. He was a trusted and valued employee and someone I relied upon. To my knowledge and, as the findings of the review team show, this was an isolated allegation. That being said, it represents highly inappropriate behavior and I am disappointed in John’s conduct.
I am pleased that the review team found that our athletic department staff acted appropriately and swiftly in reporting the allegation. We have stressed to our employees the importance of reporting any allegations or incidents that involve staff members or occur in our facilities and I am glad the proper action was taken. I also commend our staff for their continued support of the individual who brought this allegation forward.
This allegation occurred during a gathering of athletic department staff. I am aware that similar gatherings have taken place in the past; however, contrary to the findings of the incident review, neither Sean Frazier nor I was aware that this year’s event had taken place until hearing about this allegation. The gathering in question was John’s way to recognize many of our staff who work behind the scenes and are not invited to other bowl-related events. I did not know that some of our student employees were involved. That is unacceptable and our staff will be educated about the inappropriateness of such behavior.
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UPDATER Wednesday, January 25, 2012 --- 5:35 PM
By: Barclay Pollak
According to Charles Giesen, attorney for former UW Senior Associate Athletic Director John Chadima, they decided not to fight the release of the 2012 Rose Bowl Incident Review because of the all the rumors swirling around the incident.
Giesen says the rumors were more hurtful than the truth. The document came out late last night and details an alleged incident between Chadima and a 22-year-old student employee.
Giesen says, " Without getting into attorney-client privilege, it's fairly consistent with our investigation."
According to the review team, the incident happened during the early morning hours on December 31st in Chadima's L.A. hotel room following his annual B-Team party.
After the party, which high ranking UW officials such as Athletic Director Barry Alvarez allegedly knew about, Chadima touched a 22-year-old student employee inappropriately.
He then told the alleged victim "I thought you liked it, " asked him what he was going to do about it and threatened to fire him.
University officials met with Chancellor David Ward this morning. At that time he asked them to act on two of the recommendations made in the review. The first involving the university's alcohol policy.
Vince Sweeney with University Relations says he's not sure if the UW has a policy regarding alcohol and off campus events. At this time he's also not sure if high ranking officials such as Barry Alvarez will face any disciplinary action.
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 25, 2012 --- 12:27 p.m.
Statement of John Chadima Regarding Committee Review Report:
I am deeply saddened by the contents of this review. It is certainly not reflective of the type of person I am, my lifestyle, my management style or my faith or beliefs. However, I make no excuses and have come to the realization that over the past few months, alcohol had controlled and consumed my life. I am taking steps to correct that problem in my life at this time. I will take full responsibility for my lack of judgment and actions that evening.
I was wrong in these decisions, and, once again, deeply apologize to all those affected.
In particular, to Chancellor Ward and his administrative staff, to Barry Alvarez, to my very good friends and co-workers at the athletic department, to all supporters, donors, and alums of UW-Madison, and, most importantly, to my family, I send my deepest regrets. I have learned a very hard lesson through this process, am paying a difficult price for my actions, and I hope that a lesson can somehow be learned by all from this situation. I also hope that my apologies will be accepted, and forgiveness given.
As previously stated, UW and the Madison community have treated me so well these past 22 years, and it will always be my life, my family and my home.
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 25, 2012 --- 6:10 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A University of Wisconsin student alleged that an athletic department official grabbed his crotch at an alcohol-fueled party during the football team's trip to the Rose Bowl, according to an independent report released by the school on Tuesday night.
The report says the student alleges former senior associate athletic director John Chadima put his hand down the student's pants at the end of a party in Chadima's suite at a Los Angeles hotel on Dec. 31.
The student -- identified only as John Doe in the report -- said he was "shocked and frightened" and slapped Chadima's hand away.
Chadima was put on administrative leave on Jan. 6 and resigned the same day. He previously had issued an apology for a "lapse in judgment," and issued another statement through his attorney Tuesday.
"I make no excuses and have come to the realization that over the past few months, alcohol had controlled and consumed my life," Chadima said. "I am taking steps to correct that problem in my life at this time. I will take full responsibility for my lack of judgment and actions that evening."
The report said its findings were based on interviews with 23 people, including students and professional staff -- but they were "unable to arrange an interview" with Badgers football coach Bret Bielema.
Three student employees of the athletic department declined to be interviewed.
The report also reviewed information from Chadima's office computer and school-issued cell phone.
Chadima declined to speak with the panel.
The report said Chadima hosted a bowl game party for staff and student employees for at least the past four years. The most recent party began Dec. 30 and lasted into the early morning hours of Dec. 31, at Chadima's hotel suite. According to the report, Chadima provided "alcohol, beer and mixers" and guests were invited to serve themselves. Some of the guests were under age 21.
Somewhere between 1:30 and 2 a.m., the alleged victim was leaving along with the last few people left at the party when he said Chadima asked him to "stay here and have a drink with me." The alleged victim said he and Chadima both had several more drinks and "probably were intoxicated," but were coherent and in control of their physical movements.
According to the report, Chadima then said he thought the student was gay, and said some of the other student employees thought he was gay. The student said it made him "uncomfortable and defensive."
The student then said Chadima reached over and removed the student's belt, putting his hands inside the student's pants and touching his genitals. The student said he slapped Chadima's hand away and swore at him.
At that point, the student said Chadima said he thought the student liked it, asking "What are you going to do about it?" and saying "I could have you fired."
The student said he quickly left the room, and Chadima seemed to want to gloss over the incident as "just joking around."
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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UPDATED: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 --- 9:49p.m.
Note: Chadima's attorney Tuesday night authorized release of the report mentioned in this statement, which accounts for the timing of the release of this material.
Here is the statement of Interim Chancellor David Ward regarding the completion and release of the report of Judge Patrick Fiedler's independent review team on allegations of misconduct by senior associate athletic director John Chadima.
"Tonight, through a waiver granted by Mr. Chadima's attorney, I am able to release the official report of the review team.
"After learning of an allegation of misconduct involving Mr. Chadima, the university placed him on administrative leave and he subsequently submitted his resignation. In addition, we initiated the independent review of the matter, the results of which are being made public today.
"The review team was charged with investigating the allegation, issues of abuse of authority, and the reporting process. They conducted their work during the past two weeks and made their report to me on Monday, Jan. 23. Pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law, Mr. Chadima was provided notice of our intent to release the report. Through his attorney, Mr. Chadima agreed to waive the waiting period that would have delayed the release of this document.
"Throughout this process, it was my intent to provide the highest level of transparency possible without compromising the integrity of the process. We care deeply for the welfare of the individual, who is an adult, and who brought this issue to our attention. We also appreciate the efforts of those who responded in accordance with our reporting processes and procedures.
"I thank the committee for their work over the past two weeks. We will consider the recommendations of the report and determine what future measures we need to take."
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UPDATED Tuesday, January 24, 2012 --- 6:10 p.m.
Tonight the Wisconsin State Journal is citing two sources that say John Chadima resigned after an allegation that he made unwanted sexual contact with a male student. It allegedly happened at a party while the UW football team was in southern California to play the Rose Bowl.
Click HERE for the report from the Wisconsin State Journal.
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UPDATED Monday, January 23, 2012 --- 6:53 p.m.
Ward statement on Chadima review process:
An independent review team met with Interim Chancellor David Ward Monday and delivered its final report outlining its analysis of the misconduct allegations against senior associate athletic director John Chadima.
Below is a brief statement from Ward outlining the process going forward.
"The university will publicly release the review team's report as soon as it legally permissible to do so.
"Because the allegations arise out of Mr. Chadima's employment at the university, the university is legally obligated to provide a notification to him that the report will be publically released.
"That notification, which took place today, is consistent with past university practice and provisions of the Wisconsin Public Records law, which provide Mr. Chadima with up to 10 days to file a court action objecting to the release of the report."
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UPDATED Thursday, January 19,2012--5:30p.m.
MADISON--We know very little about the incident that led to a misconduct allegation for U-W Senior Associate Athletic Director John Chadima. What we do know is that it reportedly happened while the football team was in California for the Rose Bowl.
Chadima was placed on administrative leave and shortly after resigned.
In his statement today, he said he resigned "so as not to bring disrepute to the University of Wisconsin." He also said he regrets leaving under these circumstances and adds that he makes no excuses and accepts full responsibility for his actions.
He also said:"I would like to express my heartfelt apologies to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, its athletic department, and all full-time, part-time and student employees who have been affected by my recent lapse of judgment. I ask for their forgiveness."
Currently an independent panel is looking into the allegation and is expected to report back to the U-W chancellor sometime next week.
"We really don't want to speculate as to what's going to be in it or what the scope of what it is," said Vince Sweeney, the vice chancellor for university relations at U-W Madison. "They are independent, they had a set of facts to review and we're anxious to hear what they have to say ."
But we still don't know when, if or how the public will be given details of the incident.
"I would expect that there will be some type of public delineation of what they found and what the chancellor wants to communicate," said Sweeney. ".....It's difficult to speculate as to how it will look and in what format and you know, size and scope our public comment will be."
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UPDATED Thursday, January 19, 2012 --- 4:30 p.m.
Press Release:
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez has announced changes to his senior staff. The changes come as a result of the resignation of senior associate athletic director John Chadima.
The changes in responsibilities among the senior staff include:
Senior assistant athletic director Tim Wise will serve in an interim role on the senior staff and will take on the following areas of oversight: major capital projects, facilities master plan coordination, facilities planning and maintenance liaison, University Ridge, facilities and custodial, event and parking management and food and beverage.
Assistant athletic director Doug Tiedt will assume sport administration responsibilities with men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s track and field, and wrestling.
Associate athletic director Justin Doherty will now serve as the sport administrator for men’s basketball.
Deputy athletic director Sean Frazier will oversee the equipment staff, serve as liaison to Adidas and assume sport administration of football.
Associate athletic director Randy Marnocha will become the sport administrator for men’s and women’s golf.
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UPDATED Thursday, January 19, 2012 --- 12:35 p.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A top University of Wisconsin-Madison athletic department official who resigned earlier this month has apologized for what he called a "recent lapse of judgment."
John Chadima released the statement Thursday through a Madison law firm.
The university previously announced that Chadima resigned on Jan. 6 after being placed on administrative leave for what UW said was an allegation of misconduct. Chadima was a senior associate athletic director who had worked at UW for more than 20 years.
The university has formed a panel to investigate the allegations but has not said what they were.
Chadima says in his statement that he resigned so as not to bring disrepute to UW. He says he makes no excuses for his behavior, accepts full responsibility and asks for forgiveness.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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UPDATED Thursday, January 19, 2012 --- 10:44 a.m.
Statement from John Chadima:
It has been my privilege to work with so many wonderful and talented people throughout my career at UW. I have resigned as associate athletic director from UW-Madison so as not to bring disrepute to the University of Wisconsin. I deeply regret leaving under these circumstances and disappointing those people, and for whom, I have worked and dedicated my career for the past 22 years. I make no excuses and accept full responsibility for my actions.
I would like to express my heartfelt apologies to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, its athletic department, and the full-time, part-time and student employees who have been affected by my recent lapse of judgement. I ask for their forgiveness.
Although I am unsure about what my future holds, UW-Madison will always be my family, my life and my home. Thank you.
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 11, 2012--5:25p.m.
MADISON--Curiosity has swirled around the circumstances leading to the resignation of U-W Senior Associate Athletic Director John Chadima.
To recap: there was an allegation of misconduct, Chadima was then placed on administrative leave on Friday and later resigned.
The University put together a four-person team to look into the allegation.
One state representative is saying he wants to see a team without ties to the university--and he hopes U-W officials will start letting the public know what happened. "It seems to me to be very secretive and that raises a very big red flag," said State Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater. "And even now at this moment, I have no information from the university as to what the allegations are. Did they contact the police?"
Representative Nass told us he has not spoken with University officials.
We did receive a written statement from Interim Chancellor David Ward. In it, he says the members of the review team are "of the highest integrity and represent a wealth of experience and expertise."
He also says he understands the nature of the situation and publicity are creating questions. He adds that in order to protect the integrity of the review, "it is imperative that the committee be allowed to complete its work."
He also says his intent is to "provide the highest level of transparency possible without compromising the integrity of the process."
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 11, 2012 --- 1:00 p.m.
MADISON - Here is a statement from Interim Chancellor David Ward regarding John Chadima:
"Since learning of an allegation of misconduct involving senior associate athletic director John Chadima, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has taken a series of decisive steps.
"Mr. Chadima was placed on administrative leave and subsequently submitted his resignation. In addition, we initiated an independent review of the matter. The members of the four-person team are of the highest integrity and represent a wealth of experience and expertise.
"UW-Madison employees are held to a high standard of professional conduct. We encourage reporting and take reports of misconduct very seriously.
"I understand that the nature of this situation and the resulting publicity create many questions for our community. To protect the integrity of the review and those who have shared information with us, it is imperative that the committee be allowed to complete its work.
"It is my intent to provide the highest level of transparency possible without compromising the integrity of the process."
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 11, 2012 --- 11:45 a.m.
Press Release from the Office of State Representative Steve Nass:
State Representative Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), Chairman of the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee, is calling on UW-Madison Interim Chancellor David Ward to make immediate changes to the inquiry into allegations against Senior Associate Athletic Director John Chadima. Even though Chadima resigned over the past weekend, the university is moving forward with an inquiry into unspecified allegations.
“Initially, the process at UW-Madison appeared appropriate and reasonable. However, it’s starting to appear that the announced inquiry may be more of activity to contain information from the public and to control institutional damage,” Nass said.
Nass is calling for the following:
1.) UW-Madison should make public the general nature of the allegations made against Chadima and the scope of the inquiry requested of the independent review panel appointed by Chancellor Ward.
2.) A change to the independent review panel so the membership doesn’t have strings or attachments to the institution. The recently announced panel of four members contains three retired UW-Madison administrators.
3.) If the allegations could be criminal in nature, then UW-Madison should formally refer the matter to law enforcement without delay.
“It would be wise for UW-Madison to avoid controversy over its process and the overly secret handling of information. The process must be open and honest, if UW wants the public’s trust in handling of this serious situation,” Nass said.
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UPDATED Monday, January 9, 2012 --- 7:36 p.m.
Press Release from the UW-Madison:
RETIRED JUDGE TO LEAD INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF UW ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
MADISON - University of Wisconsin-Madison Interim Chancellor David Ward announced today (Monday, Jan. 9) that retired Dane County Circuit Judge Patrick Fiedler will lead a four-person team to conduct an independent review of a recent allegation of misconduct regarding a UW athletic department official.
Senior Associate Athletic Director John Chadima was placed on administrative leave the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 6, by Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez after an allegation of misconduct was brought forward to university officials. Chadima tendered his resignation later in that day.
Fiedler served as a judge for 18 years and also held the position of United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin from 1987-1991. Also named to the review team by Ward were three retired UW-Madison employees:
- Dale Burke, who served as assistant chief of the UW Police Department as part of a 30-year career on campus.
- Roger Howard, who served as associate dean in the Dean of Students Office for 28 years.
- Yolanda Garza, who served for more than two decades as assistant dean of students in the Student Assistance and Judicial Affairs arm of the Division of Student Life.
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UPDATED Saturday, January 7, 2012 --- 5:55 p.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison says senior associate athletic director John Chadima has resigned.
University spokesman Vince Sweeney says the school learned of an allegation of misconduct against Chadima and placed him on administrative leave Friday. Sweeney says Chadima resigned later that day.
Sweeney wouldn't comment on the nature of the allegation, nor say whether there was more than one allegation.
A message left at Chadima's home Saturday wasn't immediately returned.
Sweeney says Chadima's position within the UW Department of Athletics was administrative and not directly involved with any team. He says the job involves overseeing facilities and building projects.
The university's website says Chadima was an associate athletic director there since 2003. Prior to that he was a director of the school's football operations and director of facilities and events.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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Posted: Saturday, January 7, 2012 --- 4:45p.m.
Statement from the University of Wisconsin:
MADISON, Wis. - John Chadima, senior associate athletic director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has resigned from his position in the UW Department of Athletics.
Chadima was placed on administrative leave the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 6, by Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez after an allegation of misconduct was brought forward to university officials. Chadima tendered his resignation later in the day.
UW-Madison Interim Chancellor David Ward has initiated a campus review of the matter.
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