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.
Thoughtful ideas ! I Appreciate the facts – Does anyone know if my assistant could possibly acquire a fillable HBS Non-Disclosure Agreement document to work with ?
If you were a recruit wouldn’t you jump on the chance to go to Stanford instead of entering this mess?
No matter if alums support this guy kids are going to bail
Mark was forced out and the manner in which it was done is an absolute disgrace.
If this is not corrected the program will be damaged for years and may never recover.
I think a lot of people would like to go to stanford but everyone can’t do that. It is kindda hard to get in there and they are kind of good at swimming.
WRONG. Kids are NOT bailing. They are going to UVA to get a great education and faster in the pool. Getting faster in the pool will be proven in short term time.
What happened happened … get over it. The past looks bad, the future looks great. At the present there is no mess ???? Same education, same facilities, same AD support, and some great new coaches. Stop being a hater!
“Wrong” is right… kids are not bailing. They are bonding and looking towards a bright future. Cory Chitwood is another positive hire, and the team is interested to see what each coach will bring with them as far as experience is concerned.
hush money…the truth always comes to the surface, just takes a little time
Sorry to go off on a tangent, but…..Uh, he’s been there 35 years and makes $104k? Is this standard for most DI coaching powerhouses??
I know of a lot lesser programs with higher paid coaches. Not sure if a coach like Bernardino makes additional money from camps.
I love what David commented and fully agree with him.
Liquidassets, I don’t quite understand your comment. You condemn the destruction of a program yet are calling for a mass exodus of current swimmers and a boycott by alums. Seems that what u r calling for IS destruction of a program. Keep your eye on the ball. If theres monkey business on the part of the AD we don’t want to burn down the school and execute the President. What we do do if we care about a program is SUPPORT the program and question the decision.
As a person recruited by Mark and seeing what he’s done in 35 years question what’s going on but I have no idea what was going on but I would hate to… Read more »
He said, “do do”. I couldn’t resist!
UVA fans deserve the truth! This is bull honkey!
Welp, sure hope we never find out what happened.