Georgia Coach Steps Down Amid Allegations of Improper Behavior

Incidents reported included McCorkle's sexual comments to players

May 14, 2007

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Todd McCorkle's sudden decision to resign as the University of Georgia women's golf coach last week followed complaints from players of inappropriate comments and jokes of a sexual nature, according to documents obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

McCorkle's decision, which was announced May 7, also followed a May 4 memo in which he was told that he would have to go through extensive anti-harassment training and would be suspended without pay for July. McCorkle instead quit, but Georgia athletic director Damon Evans said he would remain employed in another capacity.

In the memo, University of Georgia executive director for legal affairs Steve Shewmaker told McCorkle several players had complained about the coach's behavior.

"We also recommend a close supervision of your interactions with your team, as any further conduct on your part that is a violation of this policy should result in immediate additional disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment with the university," the memo reads.

"In my tenure at Georgia I have unintentionally made comments that have made some of my players uncomfortable," McCorkle said in a statement. "I want to be clear in saying that this was not my intention or desire.

"I have learned through this experience that I must be 100 percent professional at all times. I would like to thank the University of Georgia for all the opportunities they have afforded me. Life is full of learning experiences and unfortunately this experience has cost me something that is dear to both me and my family. Although I was not asked to resign, this situation has placed a cloud over the program and I felt like it was in everyone's best interest for me to step down."

The memo from Shewmaker was one of several documents obtained in response to an open records request by The Associated Press. Other documents included handwritten statements from several players, whose names were redacted.

Among the incidents they reported was McCorkle sharing a sexually explicit Paris Hilton video from the Internet with the team and a number of reports of McCorkle's sexual comments to players. There was also mention by at least one player of inappropriate physical contact.

"He is randomly rubbing your back or flipping hair, or pat on butt -- and otherwise not think anything about it -- but with all the other stuff feels wrong," the unnamed player wrote.

McCorkle, who coached the Lady Bulldogs to the 2001 NCAA championship, said last week he was leaving the team to assist his wife, LPGA golfer Jenna Daniels, with her career.

With assistant Veronique Drouin serving as interim coach, No. 3 ranked Georgia finished second in the NCAA Central Regional last week at Michigan and will compete in the NCAA championships in Daytona Beach, Fla., next week.

McCorkle also coached Arizona to the 2000 NCAA championship before taking over as Georgia's coach in June of 2000.

Evans said last week that McCorkle will remain employed in an undisclosed capacity with the athletic association.