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As rumors swirl about Warde Manuel's future at Michigan, the embattled athletic director is standing up for his own reputation.
ESPN reported on Monday that the university's board of regents is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the findings of an internal investigation. Reportedly, among the topics on the docket are Manuel's handling of the multiple scandals within the athletic department over the last few years.
Manuel, who has been on the job since 2016, directly addressed speculation about his future in an interview with The Michigan Insider. Though he acknowledged the scrutiny, he made it clear that he has no intention of leaving his post despite the revelation that he had conversations with Michigan officials about a buyout.
"I don't know what the future is going to be and how long I'll be in this position," Manuel said. "I do know that I'm here today and I do know that I'm going to be here tomorrow. And I do feel confident in the things that I have done here at Michigan. Not for me, not for Warde — but on behalf of the University of Michigan, our student-athletes, our coaches, our staff, our fans, our donors, to drive success with our student-athletes academically and athletically. And I think if you look at the things that have been accomplished over the last ten years that I've been here, I'm very proud of what we've accomplished. And so, for me, I continue to do the job, and I continue to do the best that I can do for the University of Michigan and this athletic department.
"I've had several conversations over the last six or seven months about the future and things that have happened and different opportunities and different ways that things could go. There's no doubt about it. I'm not going to hide from that conversation that occurs. But as it relates to where things are going to go, I'm not 100% certain."
The report from The Michigan Insider indicates that the investigation and Manuel's future are not publicly listed as topics during Thursday's meeting. Manuel, who has been involved in Michigan athletics for four decades, reiterated his desire to stay in his position at his alma mater.
"I love this place. My blood, sweat, and tears are somewhere in Michigan Stadium," he said. "... I've been a part of this place for 40 years. Forty years — since 1986. I have a deep love for this place. And I want us to be great, and to continue to drive success. And so, if it's up to me to face the challenges that I face to help the student-athletes, the coaches, the staff, to be successful, then that's the challenges I'm going to face. Nobody said this job was going to be easy. And whenever I leave Michigan, whoever steps in here next shouldn't assume Michigan is easy."
Manuel is one of many subjects of an internal investigation Michigan commissioned in December, which reportedly cost roughly $11 million. The athletic department has been the subject of controversy, notably the Conor Stalions sign-stealing scandal and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer that led Manuel to fire former football coach Sherrone Moore for cause.
It's Manuel's knowledge of the latter that is reportedly one of the subjects of the investigation, with the conversation likely to center around when Manuel became aware of Moore's misconduct, ESPN reported on Monday.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Michigan AD Warde Manuel breaks silence as rumors about future swirl
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ESPN reported on Monday that the university's board of regents is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the findings of an internal investigation. Reportedly, among the topics on the docket are Manuel's handling of the multiple scandals within the athletic department over the last few years.
Manuel, who has been on the job since 2016, directly addressed speculation about his future in an interview with The Michigan Insider. Though he acknowledged the scrutiny, he made it clear that he has no intention of leaving his post despite the revelation that he had conversations with Michigan officials about a buyout.
"I don't know what the future is going to be and how long I'll be in this position," Manuel said. "I do know that I'm here today and I do know that I'm going to be here tomorrow. And I do feel confident in the things that I have done here at Michigan. Not for me, not for Warde — but on behalf of the University of Michigan, our student-athletes, our coaches, our staff, our fans, our donors, to drive success with our student-athletes academically and athletically. And I think if you look at the things that have been accomplished over the last ten years that I've been here, I'm very proud of what we've accomplished. And so, for me, I continue to do the job, and I continue to do the best that I can do for the University of Michigan and this athletic department.
"I've had several conversations over the last six or seven months about the future and things that have happened and different opportunities and different ways that things could go. There's no doubt about it. I'm not going to hide from that conversation that occurs. But as it relates to where things are going to go, I'm not 100% certain."
The report from The Michigan Insider indicates that the investigation and Manuel's future are not publicly listed as topics during Thursday's meeting. Manuel, who has been involved in Michigan athletics for four decades, reiterated his desire to stay in his position at his alma mater.
"I love this place. My blood, sweat, and tears are somewhere in Michigan Stadium," he said. "... I've been a part of this place for 40 years. Forty years — since 1986. I have a deep love for this place. And I want us to be great, and to continue to drive success. And so, if it's up to me to face the challenges that I face to help the student-athletes, the coaches, the staff, to be successful, then that's the challenges I'm going to face. Nobody said this job was going to be easy. And whenever I leave Michigan, whoever steps in here next shouldn't assume Michigan is easy."
Why is Warde Manuel being investigated?
Manuel is one of many subjects of an internal investigation Michigan commissioned in December, which reportedly cost roughly $11 million. The athletic department has been the subject of controversy, notably the Conor Stalions sign-stealing scandal and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer that led Manuel to fire former football coach Sherrone Moore for cause.
It's Manuel's knowledge of the latter that is reportedly one of the subjects of the investigation, with the conversation likely to center around when Manuel became aware of Moore's misconduct, ESPN reported on Monday.
Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Michigan AD Warde Manuel breaks silence as rumors about future swirl
Continue reading...
