Today, UC Davis released the findings of an independent audit examining the evaluation and transition of our equestrian program. I fully supported the university pursuing this review, and I want to share directly what it means and what it doesn't, from my perspective as the Director of Athletics.
Six months ago, the university's decision to discontinue varsity status of our NCAA Division I equestrian program disappointed many student-athletes, alumni, parents, and supporters. That disappointment was real and understandable. As with any complex and multi-faceted decision, it is also understandable that some people disagreed with the decision itself.
What followed, though, went well beyond disagreement. I, along with members of our Athletics leadership team and other university officials, have been repeatedly and very publicly harassed, accused of dishonesty, of manipulating financial information, and of taking this difficult action in bad faith or devoid of sympathy. My integrity, and the integrity of colleagues who have given years of service to this institution, have been called into question. My own family has been threatened and harassed, through acts that go far beyond expressing professional disagreement.
The independent audit found no evidence of misconduct, misrepresentation, or premeditated motives in how the decision was made, and it concluded that the allegations of intentional falsification were unsubstantiated. It did identify opportunities for us to strengthen financial reporting documentation, improve oversight of ancillary fundraising activities, and more carefully review consultants' scope in future engagements. I fully support those recommendations. Continuous improvement is part of the job.
What matters most to me in the audit's findings is this: the decision was made through established university processes, based on a full review of budget-reduction options presented to campus leadership. After that comprehensive review, and taking into account all impacts, discontinuing the varsity status of equestrian was determined to be the option that best met our required $1M budget reduction target. The audit confirms that the decision was reached honestly, through the right process and was the result of a collaborative process with and the backing of university leadership.
The last six months have taken an enormous toll on so many devoted UC Davis employees, current student-athletes and coaches, on me and on my family. I understand that public leadership brings scrutiny, criticism, and difficult questions. I have never objected to good-faith disagreement; it is part of the responsibility of serving a public institution, and it can make it better.
But some actions went far beyond disagreement. Personal threats, intimidation, repeated visits to my home, and efforts to involve family members in a university decision crossed a line that should matter to everyone in our community.
In addition, images from my personal social media — showing my daughter with UC Davis cheerleaders at home games — were used to suggest that I elevated our STUNT program for her benefit or for her potential future involvement at UC Davis.
That allegation is entirely false.
My daughter has been a patient at Shriners Children's for much of her life, and her condition has never allowed her to participate in sports — let alone something as physically demanding as cheerleading. There is never a reason to bring families into professional matters, and those who weaponized a false assumption to repeatedly use online, on campus, and in public meetings should be ashamed.
As we move forward, I hope this experience reminds us that accountability and compassion are not competing values. We can ask hard questions, advocate passionately, and disagree strongly while still treating one another with dignity. That is the standard UC Davis Athletics will continue to uphold.
The independent review has now reiterated the original facts. My hope is that this clarity allows our community to move forward based on facts, respect, and a shared commitment to UC Davis.
I am grateful to the Athletics staff, campus colleagues, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and friends who continued to lead, support one another, and represent this university with professionalism throughout these past several months.
I believe deeply in the future of Aggie Athletics. While the last six months have been difficult, they will not define us. What will define us is the standard we continue to uphold – accountability, transparency, resilience, and confidence in UC Davis Athletics.
