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Edwards fire after 20 years at State |
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Tuesday, 24 June 2008 |
BY DAVID MILLER
After 20-plus years of service in the Mississippi State University Athletic Department, Don Edwards was fired Thursday, with two other long tenured employees believed to have also been let go.
Of the three, Edwards was the only identity confirmed after being reached for comment Monday. Mississippi State Associate Athletic Director Mike Nemeth didn't confirm or deny the three dismissals when reached Monday.
“We can't comment,” Nemeth said. “It's a personnel issue and we've been instructed not to talk about it.”
Athletic Director Greg Byrne could not be reached for comment on Monday.
With just 20 years remaining for full retirement, Edwards said he didn't see his termination coming.
“It's a total shock,” Edwards said. “There was no previous notice whatsoever and no one went to discuss it with my supervisors. I came in that morning and by 10 a.m., I was cleaning out my desk.”
Edwards added that the reason given for his dismissal was solely based on his performance over the last two years. Edwards disagrees.
“Out of 5, with 5 being excellent, I received a 4.4 in 2007 and a 3.97 in '08, so I'm not really sure what they are basing that on,” Edwards said. “If it was for anything else, maybe something legitimate, I would understand and accept it.” Edwards held the title of Assistant Coordinator/Facilities and worked primarily at the Humphrey Coliseum. He acknowledged that with a new regime settling in, he may have become surplus to parts.
“Maybe that's it, but I'm really not sure what's going on,” he said. “(MSU AD) Greg Byrne probably got some misinformation from someone.
“It's a tough situation, and it hurts. I just don't want people to think I was fired over some sort of misconduct. I love this university and I'll always bleed maroon and white. It's just unfortunate it had to end like this.”
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 June 2008 )
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