UNLV begins internal probe

Steve Carp

Wednesday, May 6, 1998 | 8:16 a.m.

In an attempt to get to the truth regarding allegations that UNLV athletic director Charles Cavagnaro made racist and sexist remarks about the university's student-athletes, the school has opened an internal investigation into the matter.

The inquiry, which will be handled by the University of Nevada System's general legal counsel, plans to meet with a cross-section of athletic department personnel beginning today in an attempt to determine whether or not Cavagnaro made inappropriate comments in staff meetings or at any other time.

Anonymous athletic department personnel have accused Cavagnaro of referring to some of UNLV's black athletes as "monkeys" or "apes" and softball players as "dykes in spikes." He has denied making those comments and welcomes the inquiry.

"I'm certainly supportive of this," Cavagnaro said. "My record on diversity and gender equity is clear and I stand on it.

"I do not remember ever making those kinds of remarks. But if I've ever said anything to anyone which was misconstrued or misunderstood, I certainly would like the opportunity to talk about it."

No one in the athletic department has stepped forward to confirm Cavagnaro made the remarks. UNLV President Dr. Carol Harter has publicly urged those with any information regarding Cavagnaro's alleged comments to come forward without the fear of retribution. The chancellor's office and the university code guarantees confidentiality and immunity to those who speak up.

In a related development, sources have confirmed that university officials will meet Thursday with the Rev. James Rogers, president of the Las Vegas chapter of the NAACP, to discuss the situation.

Karl Armstrong, the assistant general counsel whose office will oversee the investigation, said the goal is to get the matter handled as soon as possible.

"We want to get this done as quickly as we can and bring the matter to closure," Armstrong said. "We don't know where this is going to lead. At this point, we're strictly in a fact-finding mode."

Kwasi Nyamekeye, who also is an assistant general counsel to the University of Nevada System, will handle the inquiry. He will interview former and current athletic department members and anyone else who might provide information into the matter.

"There is nothing out of bounds to his inquiry," Armstrong said of Nyamekeye's task. "This is not a subpoena matter and it's not a criminal inquiry. We can't force anyone to talk who doesn't want to.

"But I want to reiterate that there will be absolutely no reprisal against any employee who speaks."

Once Nyamekeye has concluded his interviews, he will prepare a report and submit it to Harter and Chancellor Richard Jarvis. What happens next depends what comes out of the inquiry.

Armstrong said he wasn't certain if the actual report will be made public, although the findings obviously will become public once action is taken in the matter.

Those who will be questioned by Nyamekeye appear to be comfortable with the process.

"I have no problem with that whatsoever," sports marketing director Steve Stallworth said of the procedure.

Others who wished not to be identified said they believe their rights will be protected and intend to cooperate with the inquiry.

"I think I'd be more comfortable because it's not UNLV that controls it, it's the system doing it," said one department employee who spoke on the condition his name not be used. "They should have done this a long time ago."

The move to have the chancellor's office oversee the investigation was lauded by several members of the board of regents.

"I think it's absolutely a step in the right direction," Las Vegas regent Mark Alden said. "I feel the independence of the general counsel is a plus and I feel any employee, past or present, should be very comfortable with this procedure and come forward."

Regent Shelley Berkley said: "I think this is an extremely appropriate measure by the president. I look forward to a swift and thorough investigation and resolution to this inquiry."

Berkley also praised the chancellor's office for taking on the burden and adding validity to the inquiry.

"There can be no question regarding the integrity of this investigation," Berkley said.

Regent Tom Weisner added: "I'm glad the president is addressing this. I'm glad to see her following up on this."