UNLV’s coaches stand up for A.D.

Steve Carp

Thursday, May 7, 1998 | 9:37 a.m.

While they are glad to see an inquiry by the chancellor's office is under way, several UNLV coaches defended athletic director Charles Cavagnaro, saying they have never heard him make racist or sexist comments.

Kwasi Nyamekeye, the assistant general counsel for Chancellor Richard Jarvis, began interviewing athletic department employees Wednesday to investigate allegations made by anonymous sources within the department. Cavagnaro, according to these sources, called some UNLV student-athletes "apes, "monkeys" and "gorillas" and referred to members of the softball team as "dykes in spikes."

While the investigation continues, the Las Vegas NAACP chapter president, the Rev. James Rogers, was to meet this morning with UNLV President Dr. Carol Harter and other university officials to discuss the situation.

"I really feel Charlie is getting a bad deal," basketball coach Bill Bayno said. "If we're going to drag this story in the media with unnamed and anonymous sources, that's wrong.

"I have never heard Charlie say anything about my players. And as you know, I'm very protective of my players and very sensitive about that."

Bayno was glad to see the investigation under way.

"It's definitely the right way to go," he said. "At least Charlie will get a chance to face his accusers."

Golf coach Dwaine Knight has been with Cavagnaro on numerous occasions, both socially and professionally, and has never heard the A.D. speak out of line.

"It's baffling to me," Knight said. "He has always held all athletes in real high esteem.

"In all my dealings with Charlie, I have never heard him make a racial remark about anybody. I just don't believe someone should be blamed for something based on anonymous accusations."

Football coach Jeff Horton also found it hard to believe Cavagnaro would make such remarks.

"I'm probably around him more than anyone, professionally and socially, and I've never heard him say anything derogatory," Horton said.

"He's been very supportive of the hirings on my staff -- both of our coordinators (Ruffin McNeill and Buzz Preston) are black and we have five minorities on our staff. Charlie has been positive and encouraging about that."

Horton also said he will cooperate fully with Nyamekeye's investigation.

"Absolutely," he said. "I have nothing to hide."

The coaches have taken a "let-the-chips-fall" attitude.

"If it turns out that Charlie said anything, he'll pay the price," Bayno said. "But if he didn't, then he's going to be owed a big apology by a lot of people."

Horton said of the investigation: "It probably should have been done earlier. But it basically comes down to word against word. You just hope everyone is telling the truth.

"Now if it turns out that he did say the things he's been accused of, then obviously it's something that has to be dealt with. But in my mind, I just can't see him saying the things he's being accused of saying."

Knight said: "I'm sure the investigation will be thorough. Let's see what happens."

Whatever happens, the coaches hope it will be wrapped up soon so everyone can get on with regular business.

"Anytime you have accusations like that, it hurts the entire university," Knight said.