April 19, 2005

CANYON, Texas -- West Texas A&M University head football coach Ronnie Jones resigned Tuesday, April 19 following a University investigation that concluded he used state and school resources for personal gain.

The resignation was accepted and placed into effect immediately by Ed Harris, WTAMU athletics director.

Jones had been placed on paid administrative leave April 13 pending outcome of the investigation.

This September, Jones would have begun his fourth year at the helm. The Buffaloes posted a 5-27 record in three seasons under Jones.

Harris said WTAMU assistant coach and offensive coordinator Lee Hays will serve as acting head coach.

Statement by Ed Harris
Director of Athletics
West Texas A&M University
April 19, 2005

Last Wednesday, head football coach Ronnie Jones was placed on administrative leave, and we began an investigation into allegations that he used state and university resources for personal gain. During the course of this investigation, the University Police Department searched Mr. Jones' office, analyzed his recent computer activity and locally stored files, took signed statements from approximately 10 people and interviewed Mr. Jones, who was accompanied by legal counsel.

The investigation is complete and based on our findings, we have concluded that:

1. Ronnie Jones did use state and university resources for personal gain. He operated a multi-level marketing business out of his University office, taking advantage of West Texas A&M property, facilities, funds, information technology resources, equipment, supplies, services and employee time.

2. Mr. Jones abused his authority as head football coach. Whether intentional or not, by the very nature of his position he exerted undue influence on student-athletes and employees by soliciting memberships in his marketing venture.

Let me read from the Department of Athletics Policy and Procedure Manual, page 15: " Coaches shall not take advantage of their relationships with and influence over student-athletes for personal advantage. This principle not only prohibits financial and sexual relationships with student-athletes, it also requires coaches to avoid exercising undue influence or control over matters outside of the student-athlete's participation in athletic activities, such as social and extracurricular activities and personal relationships."

3. Mr. Jones violated university and athletic office policies by using University computer equipment and network systems to access and download unethical and inappropriate materials.

As a result, Mr. Jones submitted his resignation at 1 p.m. today. The resignation is effective immediately.

This is not about money, and it's not about win-loss records. It's about relationships. It's about the trust we place in our coaches. In this case, sadly, it's about a violation of that trust.

The University Police Department will forward the findings from their investigation to the Randall County District Attorney, although we consider this to be primarily a University matter. And as of today, we consider this matter closed.

As soon as the smoke clears, Dr. Long and I will sit down, evaluate our football program and discuss coaching options. In the meantime, assistant coach Lee Hays will take over responsibilities as the head coach for the immediate future.

Statement by Dr. Russell C. Long
President, West Texas A&M University
April 19, 2005

While this is a disappointing situation, it was not an agonizing decision. Agony is what we went through in early November as we evaluated the 2004 football season. At that time, we elected to continue Coach Jones' employment and to give him another opportunity. So clearly, this is not about his team's performance on the football field. This is about something much more important; it's about character and integrity. This is about being a positive role model and the responsibility the athletic department and the University have to its students, its faculty and staff, and to our fans and boosters. It's a responsibility we take very seriously.

-WT-