Illinois Athletic Director Avoids Reprimand

By Todd McClamroch in News on Mar 22, 2007 7:47PM

University of Illinois Athletic Director Ron Guenther will not be punished for his actions during the Illini NCAA Tournament loss to Virginia Tech. During the game, Ron Guenther was playing the role of frustrated fan rather than Athletic Director, as he was heard screaming advice at Coach Bruce Weber. It is reported he did not just stop there; he also berated players for poor performance, including calling forward Warren Cater an idiot. The Illini were knocked out of the tournament in the 54-52 loss.

In Guenther's statement he admitted to slapping the table in front of his seat but said, "I didn't direct my comments to anyone in particular, and I certainly didn't intend for my words to be picked up. That did not represent the way I feel about our players, and they know it."

The Chancellor for the school, Richard Herman, has decided not to punish the AD, stating, "I think it was an unfortunate lapse and he is very embarrassed by it and certainly regrets it." He went on to explain, "Everybody in this department knows there is no bigger supporter and no bigger fan of Illinois athletics than Ron Guenther." "Every sport he attends he cares about."

Warren Carter, the forward that Ron Guenther supposedly called an idiot after a bad pass, said "I made a stupid pass. ... My teammates told me that and I told myself that. ... Mr. Guenther is always around the program, and if he wants to cheer for us or give us tips, he has every right to do that."