West TX A&M Coach Resigns
Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 11:27 pmCANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M football coach Ronnie Jones resigned Tuesday after a university investigation found he was operating a marketing business from his school office.
Athletic director Ed Harris said in a statement that Jones used state and school resources for personal gain, "taking advantage of West Texas A&M property, facilities, funds, information technology resources, equipment, supplies, services and employee time."
Jones did not attend a news conference announcing his resignation. No one answered Tuesday evening at an Amarillo telephone number for Jones, a former NFL assistant who was suspended with pay last week.
Harris said Jones, who compiled a 5-27 record in three seasons with the Division II Buffaloes, abused his authority, exerting undue influence on student-athletes and employees by soliciting memberships in his marketing venture.
Harris also said Jones violated policy by using university computer equipment to access and download "unethical and inappropriate materials." He did not elaborate.
University police searched Jones' office, analyzed his recent computer activity, took statements from 10 people and interviewed Jones. Police will submit their findings to the Randall County district attorney, although Harris said the school considers the matter closed.
Assistant coach Lee Hays was named interim head coach.
Athletic director Ed Harris said in a statement that Jones used state and school resources for personal gain, "taking advantage of West Texas A&M property, facilities, funds, information technology resources, equipment, supplies, services and employee time."
Jones did not attend a news conference announcing his resignation. No one answered Tuesday evening at an Amarillo telephone number for Jones, a former NFL assistant who was suspended with pay last week.
Harris said Jones, who compiled a 5-27 record in three seasons with the Division II Buffaloes, abused his authority, exerting undue influence on student-athletes and employees by soliciting memberships in his marketing venture.
Harris also said Jones violated policy by using university computer equipment to access and download "unethical and inappropriate materials." He did not elaborate.
University police searched Jones' office, analyzed his recent computer activity, took statements from 10 people and interviewed Jones. Police will submit their findings to the Randall County district attorney, although Harris said the school considers the matter closed.
Assistant coach Lee Hays was named interim head coach.