Colorado apologizes to ex-assistant coach's alleged domestic violence victim
Colorado chancellor Philip DiStefano released a written apology to the alleged domestic violence victim of former assistant coach Joe Tumpkin on Friday.
The letter is in response to a story published earlier in the day by Sports Illustrated, in which Tumpkin's anonymous ex-girlfriend described how he physically abused her. The woman also said Buffaloes head coach Mike MacIntyre was alerted of the repeated assaults a month before Tumpkin was placed on administrative leave.
DiStefano's full statement can be found here. A snippet may be read below:
Today, Sports Illustrated published an article on domestic violence allegations against former assistant football coach Joe Tumpkin. First, Head Coach Mike MacIntyre, Athletic Director Rick George and I want to apologize to the victim in this case, as well as to her son. She should have received an immediate response from the university pertaining to the actions we might take as well as expressing concern for her safety and any support she needed to deal with repercussions of the trauma she suffered.
My staff provided the reporter a full timeline of what occurred, but Sports Illustrated chose not to publish key elements of it. So let me be clear on what happened.
In mid-December, Joe Tumpkin’s ex-girlfriend notified Coach MacIntyre of an allegation of physical assault. MacIntyre immediately informed George. I learned of these allegations shortly thereafter. At that time, we believed that it was premature to take personnel action because there was no restraining order, criminal charges, civil action, or other documentation of the allegation. Tumpkin signed and acknowledged receipt for the temporary restraining order on Dec. 30, according to court records. But no athletic department officials nor university administrators saw a copy of it until the afternoon of Jan. 6, shortly after a Boulder Daily Camera reporter informed the athletic department of the filing and was seeking comment.
Less than two hours after seeing court documentation, George indefinitely suspended Tumpkin from his coaching duties. He was later asked to resign and did so on Jan. 27. Broomfield police filed criminal charges against Tumpkin on Jan. 31. Sports Illustrated asked us if university funds are being used for Tumpkin’s defense counsel. They are not. I should also note that Sports Illustrated incorrectly reported that Tumpkin received a promotion to interim defensive coordinator ahead of the Alamo Bowl. Tumpkin was not promoted nor did he receive any adjustment in salary or title.
Police charged Tumpkin on Tuesday with eight counts of assault.