Diabetes Forces SMU President Shields to Quit

Southern Methodist University President L. Donald Shields is retiring immediately under rising pressure from a diabetes condition and allegations about SMU’s football program, officials said Friday.

Shields, 50, came to SMU in October 1980 after 10 years as president of Cal State Fullerton.

SMU spokesman Roddy Wolper said the early retirement was not directly linked to recent allegations of NCAA rules violations in the football program at SMU, which currently is in the second year of a three-year probationary period.

“Obviously, the situation aggravated his condition, bringing on higher stress,” Wolper said.