University of New Mexico Athletic Director John...
University of New Mexico Athletic Director John Bridgers was placed on probation by the school president, who cited an “unprecedented” budget deficit of $780,000 within the athletic department.
President Tom Farer called the deficit “unacceptable” and said he had initially intended to fire Bridgers.
School officials said the projected deficit is for the past fiscal year.
Farer said he felt he had just cause to end Bridgers’ contract immediately, but instead placed him on probation until the end of the current academic year.
Farer said Bridgers must bring the budget under control by then or be fired. However, Farer said, if the actual amount of the deficit exceeds $780,000, Bridgers will be fired before the end of the year.
Last April, Bridgers’ projected a deficit of $250,000.
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