U Of Hawaii A.D. Placed On Leave After Stevie Wonder Fiasco

As part of the fallout from a botched concert promotion, the University of Hawaii has placed Athletics Director Jim Donovan on an indefinite leave of absence. 

Also placed on leave, Stan Sheriff Center General Manager Rich Sheriff.    

Both men will continue to be paid for the time being.

UH held a press conference to make the announcement, which comes in reaction to a Stevie Wonder concert that never was.

Last week, UH began selling tickets for a Stevie Wonder concert that was to have taken place August 18th at the Stan Sheriff Center with the proceeds benefiting the athletic department.

But the concert was cancelled as the handlers for wonder said the star performer wasn’t aware of the booking and was not available for that date.

Donovan said the concert was booked through what was deemed an unauthorized third party.

He added that the school is trying to recover $200,000 it paid up front from the athletic fund.

UH vice president, Rockne Freitas, will serve as acting athletic director while the school’s investigation ensues.

Donovan is entering the 5th and final year of his current contract.

As for those who bought tickets for the concert.

UH says 95-percent of them have been refunded.