Latest Victim in Northridge Saga: New Uniforms

Ron Ponciano might not be coaching football this fall at Cal State Northridge, depending on the outcome of an internal investigation of the Matador program.

But it’s certain the team won’t have new uniforms.

While Ponciano awaits the outcome of his fate, the embattled coach was further deflated this week by news that school administrators have canceled plans to purchase 110 new uniforms, which have been made at a cost of $15,000 to a Van Nuys sporting goods company.

Ponciano, who met with Northridge investigators for more than five hours Friday, said he expects a resolution to the seven-week investigation sometime this week.

Meanwhile, allegations surfaced Tuesday that Ponciano illegally recruited players at San Jose State.

A San Jose spokesperson confirmed the school was contacted by Northridge investigators regarding Ponciano. San Jose Coach Dave Baldwin, who was Northridge’s coach in 1995 and ‘96, could not be reached for comment.

“They did contact us regarding potential violations and whether he had contacted our student-athletes,” said Desiree Reed, director of athletic compliance at San Jose. “From what I understand, Coach Baldwin was not aware of any contact [Ponciano] made with players.”

Ponciano, a former assistant to Baldwin at San Jose and Northridge, denied the charges. The investigation was triggered by an anonymous letter received by the Northridge athletic department May 19.

“It’s just another attack on Ron Ponciano,” Ponciano said. “I just can’t imagine them barking up that tree with this San Jose thing. This whole thing is just becoming a nightmare.”

Ponciano was irked Monday by news that the school had scrapped plans to buy new uniforms. Grace Collins, Northridge associate athletic director, said budgetary constraints prevented the purchase. Collins said an order for the uniforms was discussed but never placed.

Collins said Northridge is committed to spending $31,000 on new football equipment for the 1999 season.

“New uniforms would be great, but it’s just not in the cards this year,” Collins said. “We have other pressing needs. Hopefully, we’ll get replacements next year.”

Ben Bass, president of Bassco Sporting Goods, claimed the school ordered uniforms in March before backing out this week.

Bass, who said he has outfitted several Northridge teams in 14 years, called Collins’ explanation “an out-and-out lie.”

“They sent a letter in March [stating] that they intended to buy them after the first of July,” Bass said. “We’ve made them--110 black jerseys and silver pants. They’re ready now. Their letter [this week] claims they never intended to purchase the uniforms and that the information Ron had provided was for bid purposes only.”

Ponciano said administrators approved the purchase.

“There’s no question,” Ponciano said. “We talked about it for the longest time, Grace and the staff. We worked in conjunction with the business office and she knew what the budget was.”

Bass, who said he worked with Ponciano for months on the new uniforms’ design, said the agreement was consistent with previous Northridge transactions.

“They gave me specifics: numbers, sizes,” Bass said. “I’ve been doing this for 14 years and nothing like this has ever happened. There’s never been a problem.”

Staff writer Eric Sondheimer contributed to this story.