USC athletic director Mike Bohn’s abrupt resignation may not have been good-natured after all.
According to a new report from the Los Angeles Times, several university sources expressed concerns about Bohn’s conduct during his time as the head of USC athletics.
Two USC sources, the Times wrote, said Bohn “made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female colleagues, including remarks about their dress, hair and weight, that staff members said made them feel uncomfortable.”
Bohn’s actions left the women feeling “awkward” and continued after he was confronted about them, per the Times sources.
People also raised questions about Bohn’s management style. The Times’ sources said Bohn often missed meetings and “shied away from difficult conversations.”
Bohn told ESPN that the split was amicable.
When asked by the Times about the allegations, Bohn reportedly did not respond to direct questions, instead giving a statement saying he will “always be proud of leading the program out of the most tumultuous times in the history of the profession.”
Mike BohnIcon Sportswire via Getty ImagesBefore the allegations emerged, USC President Carol Folt released a statement thanking Bohn “for his contributions to our athletics department during a time of rapid transformation and growth. We will be announcing a transition team comprising both internal and external leaders in the coming days and will launch a national search for a new director of athletics shortly.
“Over the last four years, the USC athletics department has transformed into a national powerhouse. In our singular pursuit of excellence, I am committed to ensuring we have the right leadership in place to achieve our goals. As part of that commitment and as we prepare to move to the Big Ten, we conducted a thorough review of the athletics department, including its operations, culture, and strategy. Having built a strong foundation over the last few years, now is the time for new direction grounded in our values and in expertise needed to fulfill our aspirational vision for Trojan athletics.”
USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley and USC Athletic Director Mike Bohn during a news conference to announce him as USC’s new football coachMediaNews Group via Getty Images Bohn previously served as athletic director a four other universities: Idaho, San Diego State, Colorado and Cincinnati.
