Report: Carl Pelini fired for not reporting conduct of staff, not for using illegal drugs
The latest chapter in the ongoing Carl Pelini-Florida Atlantic saga came on Monday via ESPN's Brett McMurphy.
In letter obtained by ESPN, FAU Prez said Carl Pelini fired for not reporting conduct of staff & not for using illegal drugs
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) November 26, 2013
Via ESPN, the network obtained a letter written by interim president Dennis J. Crudele to Pelini. Here is an excerpt from that letter.
"FAU did not terminate your employment because of a finding that you used illegal drugs. Accordingly to clarify these significant points ... your resignation is withdrawn and your separation is converted to a termination with cause based on our finding that you failed to timely report certain conduct of a member of your staff, as required by your contract."
The letter also said that Pelini will "accept this course of action and waive your right to appeal this decision."
Because he was fired with cause, the school is not required to pay the remainder of Pelini's salary, but he will also not owe the school any money, as he would have had he resigned, based on the the language in his contract.
The team has experienced a significant turnaround since Pelini's departure, posting a 3-0 record under interim coach Brian Wright. More from Crudele's letter.
"It is unfortunate that the good work you were doing to help turn around our football program ended under these circumstances. The high note that our team is ending the season on and its promising prospects for future seasons is a direct reflection of your good work."