Improprieties likely forced Pollock's resignation

CLEMSON β€” Longtime Clemson track coach Bob Pollock is retiring in the wake of an investigation that centered on his alleged misuse of university funds.

Pollock, who has been named ACC coach of the year 19 times in his 20 years at Clemson, submitted a retirement letter to administrators on Tuesday. The official end of his tenure will come after the U.S. Olympic Trials next month.

"Athletics is an exciting and challenging part of my life," Pollock said in a statement released by Clemson. "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people."

There is ample evidence to suggest Pollock didn't have a choice after an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division concluded that he and assistant coach Charles Foster deposited more than $27,000 worth of university funds into personal accounts.

The 13th Circuit solicitor did not pursue criminal charges against Pollock and Foster, largely because both had already paid restitution to Clemson in the form of salary cuts.

But the two coaches still had to answer to their boss, athletic director Terry Don Phillips. Pollock's office had been cleaned out for months, and Foster's departure is considered a distinct possibility. Foster, who has been at Clemson for nine years, has played a key role in recruiting some high-profile football players who also ran track.

After the SLED report was released in April, Pollock's attorney denied "any and all accusations of wrongdoing" on behalf of his client.

An audit by Clemson found that, from January of 2004 to December of 2006, a total of $27,397 worth of track event fees went unaccounted for β€” $24,872 from high school meets, and $2,525 from college functions. The money was taken from "unattached" athletes who were not affiliated with intercollegiate teams.

It is common for college coaches to organize camps and deposit revenue into personal accounts, provided they submit the proper forms to the university in advance while documenting income from the camps and paying for use of facilities.

According to the SLED report, Pollock and Foster ignored this protocol.

Pollock was a four-year letterwinner at The Citadel, got his start in coaching there and also earned his degree at the school.

At Clemson, he compiled 11 ACC indoor championships and nine outdoor titles.

Reach Larry Williams at williams@postandcourier.com and check out the new Clemson blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks/>