Alleva's Email to Duke Athletics Staff

WRALSportsFan

Alleva's Email to Duke Athletics Staff

By Jeff Gravley and Dane Huffman

Apr 5, 2008

comments

Joe Alleva resigned as director of althletics at Duke on Friday to take the same position at LSU. Two sources gave WRAL a copy of the email he sent to the Duke University Athletics Department about his departure.

In it, Alleva speaks fondly of his time at Duke but does not directly say why he decided to take the LSU position. Here is that email from Alleva:

To DUAA Coaches and Staff:

This is a bittersweet day for me. Earlier today, I was offered and accepted the Athletics Director position at LSU. This decision was the most difficult I've ever had to make, largely because of the relationships I have forged with all of you and the love I have for this University. My commitment to Duke has been unwavering for more than 30 years. When the LSU opportunity presented itself, I went to interview with an open mind, but with a heavy heart.

Annie, my three children and I have called Durham and Duke home for 32 years and it has not only been a place to work, it has been our family's life and passion. Duke holds a special place in our hearts for so many reasons, including watching our three children graduate from this great university.

During those 32 years, I've seen our department grow and flourish, even in the changing environment of college athletics. A great part of my job has been associated with finding the very best people to fill positions here, developing strong relationships with everyone, and watching our department achieve excellence on a consistent basis. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments here - and there are many we have shared. Much of that success is directly tied to your excellent work and I want each member of this department know how much I appreciate that.

Although I am leaving Duke as your Director of Athletics, I can assure you that this department will be as strong as ever moving forward. We've developed some amazing plans in place to protect and build our future. And, there will always - always - be outstanding people representing Duke Athletics.

Most Recent Comments

He's not a nice guy. He's a dim witted snake. --cafwcsp

That pretty well sums up my estimation of the man, too. I sort of suspect a sympathy card to LSU's faculty and students is in order.

The truth is that while Joe was given a credible review, he was also given a year to find another job. His small base of support had eroded after the lacrosse fiasco. The man hid information from Pressler, and then tried to make nice with him after it was over. Pressler isn't the fall guy here. He was at fault but Alleva's lack of leadership with lacrosse and his failure to assume any responsibility speak volumes--why else would Broadhead redirect the way that things were handled in the athletic dept regarding disciplinary cases. And I haven't touched on football and Gail Goestenkors departure.

He's not a nice guy. He's a dim witted snake. The writing was on the wall, and the boosters wanted him out of there. Pure and simple.

I wonder if his leaving is related to one of the following: Duke's recruiting ability since the Duke LAX fiasco, a settlement objective for one of the many pending lawsuits against Duke, or that he is being pressured to cover up the dirt of the administration. I know if I had a kid that was being recruited on the national level; I would never send them to Duke. There would be too many other options. Who would want their kid treated the way Duke and the Durham police treat Duke Students. I would be afraid for my child’s safety and wellbeing. What would be poetic justice is if the LSU Board of Trustees gets so much pushback, that they would not agree to his contract. This would put him in the same position as the ex-LAX coach.

This is a shock. I am sure there are some unhappy LSU alumni and boosters over this decision - taking an A.D. from the ACC. Was there no A.D. at another S.E.C. school they could have lured - or at least the Big 12, Pac-10 or Big 10?

This guy really expects to survive at a football school? He's in for a harsh reality down in the bayou.

WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan