Wednesday, April 29, 1998 | 9:06 a.m.
For months, there had been rumors that UNLV associate athletic director David Chambers was looking to move on. So it wasn't a total surprise to hear that Chambers, the No. 2 person in the athletic department, resigned Tuesday, effective May 15.
What was surprising was the swiftness of the 36-year-old Chambers' decision Tuesday to leave UNLV after nearly six years. It certainly caught some of the coaches off-guard.
"I had no idea," basketball coach Bill Bayno said. "I had heard rumors he was looking to move on, but this was a surprise.
"Dave and I had a good relationship. Deep down, Dave is a football guy. He played football. But in terms of administration, he was very helpful. He worked with me and he helped me cut through a lot of the red tape. I wish him well."
Men's tennis coach Larry Easley also was surprised to hear of Chambers' departure.
"I didn't think he would be leaving," Easley said. "But at the same time, I was kinda wondering when he was going to move on. I would think he would have wanted to be an athletic director, but I didn't see that happening here (at UNLV)."
The UNLV athletic department has been under constant fire in recent weeks. It began when the school hired a new women's basketball coach (Regina Miller) with a losing record and intensified when the SUN discovered and reported the athletic department was at least $700,000 short of meeting its projected operating budget for next year.
Several coaches privately expressed their lack of confidence in the UNLV athletic administration. But Chambers said none of that figured in his decision to step aside.
"My decision to step down has nothing to do with any past, present, or future issue involving UNLV athletics," he said, adding that he wished the Rebels coaches and athletes well.
The sentiment wasn't universally mutual.
Some UNLV coaches privately expressed glee upon learning of Chambers' decision. Others, such as Easley, were more diplomatic.
"Dave came in with Jim Weaver and there were some tough times," Easley said. "I felt he carried some of Jim Weaver's baggage as he was Weaver's compliance guy.
"There were too many things hanging over him that he had no control over. I think it's a good idea for him to move on. It's a chance for him to start fresh and put all this behind him."
Chambers said he plans to pursue other opportunities in college athletics, perhaps continuing in administration or seeking a position as a legal consultant.
While at UNLV, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of men's basketball, women's basketball and football as well as supervising the three assistant athletic directors who oversee UNLV's remaining sports.
He initially was brought to UNLV by then-athletic director Jim Weaver in June, 1992 to oversee the school's NCAA compliance program. Chambers played a major role in the summary disposition used to end the three-year investigation by the NCAA over alleged violations in the men's basketball program.
He was named associate AD in July 1993, and was second only to Charlie Cavagnaro in the athletic department.
Cavagnaro said: "I am sorry to see David go. At the same time, I certainly understand and respect his decision and fully support him as his career moves forward."
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