LOGAN — Former Utah State deputy athletics director Jerry Bovee released a statement in the wake of the publication of a letter sent by the U.S. Department of Justice to Utah State University. The communication from the DOJ contained a report regarding alleged failures to report the arrest of an Aggie football player in 2023 over an incident of domestic violence. The report condemned Bovee — who was fired by USU in July, along with former football head coach Blake Anderson, senior woman administrator Amy Crosbie and director of player development Austin Albrecht — saying he failed to properly report the 2023 incident and adhere to USU policy in disciplining the player who was arrested.
Cache Valley Daily received a copy of this statement from Bovee Wednesday evening, which reads:
“I continue to remain steadfast in defending not only my name and reputation, but most importantly, in revealing the truth. Therefore, I wish to respond to the Utah Department of Justice (DOJ) notice to Utah State University (USU) of noncompliance that was posted yesterday on Utah State’s website.
“First, it is my assessment that the DOJ did not put forth any effort to conduct its own independent investigation regarding the allegations against me specifically, and instead relied on the incomplete, inconsistent, and inconclusive report by Husch Blackwell that was commissioned by USU.
“Second, neither Husch Blackwell nor the DOJ reports recommend the termination of anyone, including those from the USU’s Office of Equity, despite the fact that the DOJ determined the Office of Equity failed in its role to promptly and effectively respond by investigating reported incidents of alleged sexual misconduct by student-athletes. Indeed, the DOJ report found that the University failed to develop policies and procedures regarding communication between the Office of Equity and the Athletics Department on Title IX matters, to outline criteria and a process for the Office of Equity and the Athletics Department to determine appropriate measures during the Title IX investigation and adjudication process, to properly train athletic staff on the Student Athlete Handbook, and to adhere to its own policies.
“Furthermore, no one else at USU, including the Office of Equity, has been subjected to public humiliation and disparagement by USU athletic director, Diana Sabau, and USU president, Elizabeth Cantwell, who is ultimately responsible for the supervision and accountability of the Office of Equity. Only the athletic department employees were singled out for termination and public degradation, without being allowed the opportunity to respond to the report, be subjected to lesser discipline, or to resign – which is consistent with USU policy.
“I look forward to defending my 30 years of work in this industry, which has been dedicated to the student athlete experience, creating solutions to problems, and to promoting the values and intent of Title IX, including supporting and promoting female athletes and preventing and reporting any misconduct. I continue to feel uplifted by the amazing support of friends and associates throughout this ordeal and I continue to trust in USU’s grievance process. I believe that my alma mater will consider my grievance in good faith and will do the right thing. I am confident that truth will prevail.”
As alluded to at the end of his statement, Bovee has already filed a grievance with Utah State which is ongoing. The process includes forming a committee and holding a hearing during which evidence will be presented and the committee will submit a report to President Cantwell. Crosbie is also going through this grievance process. Neither Anderson or Albrecht had the right to file a grievance as it is only available to higher-up employees such as Bovee and Crosbie.
