The Wiz of Odds

Did San Diego State A.D. Have Affair on School Dime?

San Diego State will conduct a "thorough review" of Jeff Schemmel's travel expense records after potentially explosive allegations were made against the San Diego State athletic director.

John Lineberger, a resident of Alabama, filed a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court to subpoena Schemmel's university travel records. The action is part of divorce proceedings between Lineberger and his wife, Carolyn, who said under oath in deposition testimony that she had multiple sexual trysts with Schemmel in Dallas-Fort Worth and Point Clear, Ala.

Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that a hotel bill paid by credit card in Point Clear in January lists Schemmel and "San Diego State Univ," along with 5500 Campanile Dr. (SDSU's address). It was for three nights, totaling $814.57.

The Old Boys Network Is Alive and Well

Headhunter Chuck Neinas was the focus of an ESPN "Outside the Lines" report this past weekend. Much of this is territory the Wiz has covered, but with athletic directors screaming poverty at every opportunity — "We need seven home games to pay the bills!" — this is a good time for a refresher course.

Back in the day, athletic directors used to have a backup plan if a coach was fired or left for another job. Simply look at a list of potential candidates that was updated from year to year, then call the athletic directors at other schools and ask permission to speak with the parties. Everything was done in a gentlemanly way.

Granted, there were a few who preferred to be discreet and sought a "middleman" to help find a coach, and that often involved a well-heeled and trusted alum who was more than happy to be part of the process.

Today, you have headhunters like Neinas, who have made small fortunes doing the jobs athletic directors and college administrators were hired to do.