THE SIDELINES : East Tennessee’s Les Robinson Named N. Carolina Head Coach

Les Robinson, director of athletics and basketball coach at East Tennessee State University, was named basketball coach at North Carolina State today, succeeding Jim Valvano, who was forced out.

“I don’t know how long they will want me here . . . but I’m going to be here till they run me off,” said Robinson, a 1965 graduate of North Carolina State. “This is a very, very exciting moment for me.”

Valvano was forced out April 7 after weeks of negotiations to end his contract. He received nearly $500,000 to leave--a $212,000 contract buyout from the school and the balance from the university booster club.

Valvano was under fire because of academic records of his players. Although Valvano was not directly implicated in wrongdoing, his program drew NCAA probation when players sold complimentary tickets and basketball shoes. In addition, former player Charles Shackleford admitted taking money from two men while at N.C. State, an NCAA violation that led to an investigation of possible point-shaving.

Robinson begins his duties May 1. His four-year contract sets a salary of $95,000.