ON THE SIDELINES : Wisconsin Athletic Chief Quits

Wisconsin Athletic Director Ade Sponberg, whose department has struggled with a budget deficit and a losing football program, announced today that he will resign effective May 15, 1990.

Sponberg, who went to Wisconsin in 1987, announced his resignation after meeting with Chancellor Donna Shalala, saying Shalala and athletic board members “believe that the department would benefit from fresh leadership.”

An athletic board study commission recommended a change in administrative supervision of Wisconsin’s intercollegiate sports program last week, citing a multimillion-dollar budget deficit and a losing football program.

When asked whether his relationship with embattled football Coach Don Morton played a role in his departure, Sponberg said, “No, I certainly hope not.”

Sponberg watched as Morton came under intense criticism from alumni and others frustrated by the Badgers 6-25 record over the last three years. Last month, Wisconsin officials admitted that Morton inadvertently violated NCAA rules when he took out a $14,200 loan to pay assistant coaches for two weeks of salary that was eliminated by budget cuts. Sponberg admitted that he gave Morton permission to take out the loan.