WaPo: Bernardino Gets Two Years of Salary; Signed Non-Disclosure

If you’re looking for answers as to why Mark Bernardino abruptly retired from his 35-year run at the University of Virginia on July 1st, don’t ask him, or the University of Virginia for that matter.

According to an article published today by the Washington Post, they learned through a public records request that as a part of his retirement agreement the two sides signed a non-disparagement clause. According to the Post, “neither party can speak negatively about the other to a third party, including potential employers that approach Virginia about Bernardino.”

The Washington Post reported nothing on a “non-disclosure” clause that has widely been speculated about by fans and alumni, rather specifically the Post said that it was just a “non-disparagement” clause. It is likely, thought, that public silence will continue from Bernardino to avoid treading that line too closely.

In addition, if the agreement is adhered to, he will continue to receive his salary of $104,000 per year for the next two years, and will receive benefits through March 31st, 2015, regardless of whether he gets a new job. He and his wife also will keep their season tickets to all UVA sporting events and have access to the university’s fitness facilities.

Virginia Athletic Director’s only public comments about Bernardino’s retirement were positive ones where he encouraged fans to celebrate Bernardino’s career and contributions.

The retirement was brought under scrutiny by an alumni group, referring to themselves as the Friends of Virginia Swimming, who believe that Bernardino was forced into retirement by the university.

Virginia wasted no time in hiring his successor, Augie Busch, from the University of Houston. Augie is expected to name his brother Sammy as one of his assistant coaches.