NC A&T Fires AD Over Student’s Death
October 15, 2010 /
From WXII12.comGREENSBORO — North Carolina A&T University has fired Athletic Director Wheeler Brown two months after a student died during an unsanctioned track and field tryout.
“I have discontinued the employment of our Athletic Director Wheeler Brown,” A&T Chancellor Dr. Harold Martin said during a news conference.Brown, an A&T graduate, was named athletic director in Aug, 2008.
An autopsy released Thursday showed that 20-year-old Jospin Milandu, of Knightdale, died as a result of complications of sickle-cell disease.
The genetic blood disorder causes red blood cells to form an abnormal sickle shape that can damage organs and cause other serious problems.
Martin said last month the tryout supervised by the retiring track coach wasn’t approved and none of the 29 students who participated had a physical on file. That’s a violation of NCAA policy.
The exam could have detected if Milandu had the trait. Martin said his assistant, Deborah Calloway, would be assuming Brown’s duties until another director is named.
“Since my arrival here at A&T University I have stressed adherence to university policy, practices and procedures for all university administrators,” Martin said, adding that he was launching a nationwide search for Brown’s replacement.
