By Michael Lev / Arizona Daily Star
While acknowledging his temperamental nature, three former Wildcats who played under Rich Rodriguez painted a different picture of the ex-Arizona coach than the one portrayed in the notice of claim that contributed to his firing.
The players said Rodriguez helped them to become tougher and to learn the value of hard work. They said Rodriguez had a personal side not often seen in public settings. And they said they saw no evidence of the “hostile work environment” that Rodriguez is accused of creating.
Rodriguez’s former administrative assistant, Melissa Wilhelmsen, also alleged in a $7.5 million claim that Rodriguez sexually harassed her. Rodriguez was fired Tuesday in the wake of those allegations becoming public. UA President Robert C. Robbins and athletic director Dave Heeke said “several factors” led to Rodriguez’s dismissal, including “the direction and climate of our football program.”
Rodriguez denied the allegations made by Wilhelmsen and has hired Phoenix’s Leo Beus as his lawyer. Beus, a BYU and University of Michigan graduate, has donated $15 million to Arizona State. ASU’s Beus Center for Law and Society bears his name.
