Southern Utah Athletics Department Under Investigation for Title IX Violations
Southern Utah University’s athletics department, led by former Nevada athletic director Doug Knuth, is facing scrutiny for possible Title IX violations across multiple sports. According to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, this investigation comes on the heels of Knuth’s previous tenure at Nevada, which ended amid similar allegations.
Knuth, who served as Nevada’s athletic director from 2013 to 2022, was embroiled in various Title IX issues, resulting in the university cutting ties with him while 14 months remained on his contract. He joined Southern Utah in December 2022, assuming leadership of the athletics department, which includes various sports under the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and a separate conference for its football program.
An unnamed source described the environment within Southern Utah’s athletics department as "absolutely toxic." In response to the reported allegations, Knuth took to social media to rebut McMurphy’s claims, stating, "False reporting. Brett is a good reporter but this is wrong."
Previously, Knuth was the subject of a USA Today investigative report that detailed four Title IX inquiries during his time at Nevada. These investigations focused on disparities in facilities, recruitment, and treatment of female athletes, among other concerns. Although some claims, including remarks about pregnant women and an alleged inappropriate relationship, were investigated and found unsubstantiated, there were persistent concerns about gender inequities under Knuth’s leadership.
His tenure at Nevada saw the school clinch 10 Mountain West championships, including significant successes in men’s basketball and baseball. However, the weight of Title IX issues contributed to his departure. As the investigation unfolds, the future of Southern Utah’s athletics department remains uncertain.
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