On Thursday March 29, The University of Montana fired both head coach Robin Pflugrad and athletic director Jim O’Day for their handling of sexual assault allegations involving athletes. The firing of both men was a surprise to everyone, Pflugrad and O’Day didn’t even see it coming. UM President Royce Engstrom has not established with the public exactly why the two men were fired, but he states that the change comes after several months of investigations.

Recently there have been several allegations of UM athletes sexually assaulting students at the campus, it began last December when two women said they were allegedly drugged and gang raped by members of the football team. The coach did not properly report that incident to officials. Pflugrad claimed he did the right thing at that time with the information he had, but those players continued to play, and no disciplinary action was taken. After those two women came forward, many more did the same, claiming it had also happened to them by UM football players. In more recent incidents quarterback Jordan Johnson had a restraining order filed against him by a University student alleging that he had sexually assaulted her. The charges ended up being dropped and Johnson returned to spring practice within a week. It had become evident that the coach and athletic department were doing nothing to make things right, and prevent these from continuing.

The UM football players were in as much shock as everyone else after hearing the news. They all had nothing but nice things to say about Coach Pflugrad and O’Day, which makes sense considering the series of events, and what they’ve been doing for these boys. Pflugrad, O’Day, and current Griz players are staying very quiet about Thursdays events. These boys have been shielded from the media by UM officials, their regularly open practices were closed to everyone on Friday and they now go onto Spring Break. Practices for the Griz football team will resume on April 9th.

Both O’Day and Pflugrad are seeking legal advice on what their next step will be. O’Day has hired former MSU Bobcats coach Mike Kramer’s lawyer, Cliff Edwards. Kramer was fired from the head coaching position at MSU several years back for reasons similar to Pflugrads. Kramer ended up receiving a $240,00 settlemet. Neither O’Day or Pflugrad have sued, yet. But that is definately something both have discussed with their lawyers.