Things have gotten worse for disgraced former University of Minnesota athletic director Norwood Teague, who resigned from his post after admitting to the sexual harassment of two university employees. According to reports Teague sent inappropriate text messages to these women, and groped them.
"At a recent University event, I had entirely too much to drink," Teague wrote in a statement. "I behaved badly toward nice people, including sending truly inappropriate texts. I am embarrassed and apologize for my offensive behavior. This behavior neither reflects my true character nor the values of the University.
"I am extremely proud of our accomplishments during my tenure here, and I don't want my personal life to impact the University's reputation. I have taken immediate steps to obtain help with my alcohol issues, and I take full responsibility for my actions."
Teague's conduct was not unique to the night in question, though. Minnesota Star-Tribune writer Amelia Rayno described her own encounter in 2013 with Teague that paints him as someone for whom harassment was more common.
Rayno said she agreed to have a drink with Teague strictly as a source, but he became inappropriate after Rayno revealed she had broken up with her boyfriend. Teague allegedly began to put his arm around her, poke her in the side, and when she left he told her "Don't deny our chemistry."
He also asked her "You're all strictly business?" He followed her to her cab, and later texted her "Night strictly bitness."
Teague wouldn't even let up when Rayno stopped responding to texts unless they were work-related. "Ur no fun anymore," "U seem obtuse," "U think I'm gross," were just some of his unwanted messages.
Rayno said that Teague hasn't texted her since August 2014, but she wishes she had done more when she saw the recent leaked texts. The University of Minnesota has responded to Rayno's report of the past sexual harassment.
"I am disappointed to learn of an additional report of sexual harassment against the former director of Gopher Athletics. Our commitment to ensuring a healthy learning, working and living environment at the University extends beyond our faculty, staff, and students. I deeply regret to now learn that a reporter covering the University was also subject to this type of deplorable behavior and I extend a sincere apology to Ms. Rayno," Minnesota president Eric Kaler wrote.
"The two reports that led to Friday's resignation were the first of their kind to be reported to the University's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office and President's Office, and the University took swift action. With this latest report, we will look into whether any university employees who have a responsibility to report these kinds of concerns were aware of the incidents."
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