Basketball

Brad Rothermel, former UNLV athletic director, says university President Robert Maxson asked him in the fall of 1984 if there was any evidence that could lead to the dismissal of then-basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian.

Rothermel, testifying before a legislative committee investigating Tarkanian’s resignation last year, said Maxson called him to his office shortly after taking over the presidency of the Las Vegas school in 1984.

“He asked me if I had any evidence that could lead to the dismissal of Jerry Tarkanian,” Rothermel testified.

Maxson said in an interview he did not recall the specific conversation, but said Rothermel, “readily admitted to me the program had a negative reputation nationwide.”