Turner's Exit not Surprising to Some Close to Program
According to a source with knowledge of the situation inside Vanderbilt athletics, the resignation of former athletic director Malcolm Turner was not a surprise to some inside McGugin Center who knew of the situation.
Speculation began several weeks ago that there were issues inside the Vanderbilt athletic department, as first reported by Chris Lee of Vandysports.com, and according to the source I spoke with today, Lee was correct in what he had shared.
While the source was slow to share additional advice, it was clear that there had been an issue between Turner and members of the administration and board of trustees for the university.
Rumors became more prevalent over the weekend when Turner was not present at the COmmodores home basketball game against Florida or at the Vanderbilt baseball banquet, both of which took place Saturday night.
Turner was then seen attending the SuperBowl in Miami, on Sunday, which drove speculation on social media that something was indeed going on inside the Vanderbilt athletic department.
According to the source, Turner was placed under an order to cease spending as he had used "a lot of money in a short time, and some people weren't happy with him."
Turner had spoken publicly about his plans to make improvements to the university athletic facilities over the last year since taking over as athletic director.
While the story likely goes much deeper, the source was reluctant to say more at this time as to what exactly went on between Turner and the powers that be inside the university.
What is clear is that there are issues inside the administration of the university and athletic department that must be fixed going forward under the new interim athletic director.
Shortly after the announcement of Turner's resignation, Candice Storey Lee was announced as the new interim athletic director in a statement released by the university.
“We appreciate Malcolm’s service to the university in support of our student-athletes and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente said in a university press release. “We are grateful for the contributions he has made during his tenure.”
“Candice embodies the Vanderbilt Way, which is our commitment to ensuring that student-athletes excel on the field of play, academically and in life,” Wente said in the press release. “Candice is a trailblazer. Her unparalleled work ethic, energy and vision, and steadfast commitment to the Commodore family will only build on our momentum.”
Regardless of what went on between Turner and others inside Vanderbilt, it is clear that Lee now has her work cut out for her as she attempts to move forward with any plans for athletic facilities improvements across the university structure.
This is also not a good look for the university in general and brings into question the future of every major coach not named Tim Corbin who currently holds a position at Vanderbilt,
Follow Greg on Twitter @GregAriasSports and @SIVanderbilt or on Facebook at Vanderbilt Commodores-Maven
