FAU coaches resign after drug claim
Florida Atlantic University’s head football coach and his defensive coordinator suddenly resigned on Wednesday after school officials accused both men of using illegal drugs.
The resignations of head coach Carl Pelini and FAU defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis were formally announced by FAU athletic director Pat Chun during a Wednesday afternoon news conference at FAU Stadium.
Police were called to escort Pelini and Rekstis from FAU’s football facility after they resigned, though no arrests were made and no criminal charges are expected to be filed.
FAU’s ongoing investigation into the matter indicates the drug use was limited to Pelini and Rekstis. Chun said no athletes were involved and drug use took place off campus. “It is a heartbreaking day for us all,” Chun said. Chun also read remarks from Pelini that stated: “I apologize for exercising poor judgment.”
Chun was approached by two whistleblowers on Monday, both presenting evidence of drug use by the coaches.
Chun declined to comment on the nature of the whistleblowers’ relationships with him or the athletic department.
“They were people that presented facts that were verified,” Chun said. “Once people came forward, we had to look into it.”
Chun and assistant athletic director Melissa Dawson investigated the allegations of drug use by the coaches, and whenthey uncovered more evidence, Chuncalled the university’s office of general counsel.
“The beauty of working in this organization is there’s no debate about doing the right thing. There was no haggling,” Chun said. “Once we had the acts verified, [interim university president] Dennis [Crudele] said that, ‘We have to do this, and we have to do this right now.’ ”
Both Pelini and Rekstis were present at FAU’s Wednesday-morning practice, after which they were summoned to Chun’s office. The second-year athletic director said he was prepared to fire both with cause.
“It was an emotional meeting, but once I articulated all the facts I had, they tendered their resignation. There wasn’t a high level of debate,” Chun said, noting that neither Pelini nor Rekstis gave any reason they were involved with illegal drugs. Phone calls to Pelini and Rekstis were not returned. Pelini was hired to be FAU’s second-ever coach in December 2011. He came to FAU from the University of Nebraska, where he was the team’s defensive coordinator under his brother, Bo Pelini, from 2008-2011.
Chun said he called the police to FAU’s football facility to help escort Pelini and Rekstis from the building to help protect university property that was used in the investigation.
“There was no need, from a negative side [to have police present],” Chun said. “They were there to help us confiscate university property.”
FAU has four games remaining this season, and will needtowinthemall if the teamwants to goto a bowlgame for the first time since 2008. FAUhosts Tulane Saturday at 5 p.m.
Offensive coordinator Brian Wright will serve as FAU’s head coach for the remainder of the season. Linebackers coach Jovan Dewitt will move into Rekstis’ vacated role.