LOGAN, Utah, July 29, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — More than 100 current and former Utah State student-athletes have signed a letter in support of fired athletics officials Jerry Bovee and Amy Crosbie, calling them “individuals of integrity” who have never failed to “prioritize doing the right thing.”
The letter sent Monday to the Utah Board of Higher Education and USU Board of Trustees requests a “full and transparent investigation” into the sudden terminations of Bovee and Crosbie by a “third-party that does not have any relationship with the University.”
Bovee was terminated from his role as Utah State’s associate vice president and deputy athletic director July 2, along with head football coach Blake Anderson and Austin Albrecht, who served as director of player development and the community for the football team.
Crosbie was dismissed July 8 after five years as USU’s executive athletics director for internal affairs and senior woman administrator.
“Throughout their time at the University, Mr. Bovee and Mrs. Crosbie have unquestionably kept student-athletes and their experiences at the forefront of their values and actions,” the letter states. “Their dismissal is a loss for current and future athletes and the whole of Utah State Athletics, a loss that will be felt immediately and moving forward.”
Bovee responded to the letter Monday on social media, saying he’s “overwhelmed at the support from the group that matters more to me than any other except my own family.”
“The student-athlete experience is what motivated me work in this industry and having their endorsement means everything! All I can say is thank you and the truth will prevail,” he said.
Bovee previously released a written statement announcing his intention to file a grievance with the university over his termination.
The firings stemmed from alleged actions in spring 2023, when Bovee served as interim athletic director, involving full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence.
Bovee said he was blindsided by the firing, describing himself as “a firm supporter and defender of Title IX civil rights law” who has “never incurred disciplinary action or accusations of misconduct of any kind during his tenure.”
The Utah State alumnus says he was terminated “based on an inconclusive and untimely review” of the April 2023 incident.
Crosbie is a former Utah State volleyball player who won the Robins Award as the Aggies’ female athlete of the year in 2001. Like Bovee, Crosbie was terminated “with no opportunity to defend herself,” the letter says.
“Our collective experiences with Mrs. Crosbie have shown that she has always stood up for what is right and ensured that student-athletes’ success, safety, and well-being were at the forefront of any decision she made,” the letter continues. “More importantly, she cares about the student-athletes as people, especially working closely with young women, helping them grow into strong, confident women.”
Former Utah State basketball player Gary Wilkinson said Bovee and Crosbie deserve to be treated with transparency and in a way that reflects the university’s values.
“While much remains unknown about the facts surrounding the termination of Jerry Bovee and Amy Crosbie, what I know for certain is that these two deserve better,” said Wilkinson, a 2009 graduate, member of USU’s Hall of Fame and one of the letter’s signees.
“I’ve known Jerry and Amy for many years. Their work ethic and integrity are beyond question. Seeing them treated this way raises serious questions about these decisions. I join with fellow current and former student-athletes in calling for this matter to be dealt with in a manner consistent with Aggie values. Jerry and Amy and all of us who love Utah State deserve better,” he said.
Former Aggies volleyball star Erin (Cartwright) Davis, another USU hall of famer, called Crosbie “a leader with integrity.”
“I’ve known Amy Crosbie as a competitor, coach, friend, and admired leader in the Utah State athletic department. Amy loves our Aggie athletes and has always worked to do what’s best for them,” Davis said.
“I’ve also been fortunate to spend time with Jerry Bovee. I know him as a man of high values who displays deep concern for the wellness of USU’s student-athletes. Our University needs people like Amy and Jerry. Their dismissal is devastating for the University and its student-athletes. Their departure leaves a huge hole that will be very difficult to fill,” she said.
The 111 letter signers, whose playing careers at Utah State span more than four decades, close the letter by calling for a “full and transparent investigation” into the dismissals.
“Their questionable dismissal also raises serious concerns about the entire process the University had undertaken that has resulted in the termination of multiple people,” the letter states. “We request the investigation be conducted by a third party that does not have any relationship with the University, the Athletics Department, or any University employee involved in their dismissal, including any relationship that existed with a University employee prior to their employment at the University.”
USU Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau met July 2 with members of the football team and staff within the program to inform them of the changes. Defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling was announced as the Aggies’ interim head football coach for the 2024 season.
Sabau and USU President Elizabeth Cantwell also explained their actions in an email to faculty and staff, saying they were “the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence demands immediate action.”
“Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and to make sure that, for the sake of our students and our community, we are living the values of our university. While recognizing the impact of these decisions on our student athletes and football program, we will continue to take the steps necessary to deliver a respectful, transparent and winning culture at Utah State University.”
Bovee was hired as USU’s associate vice president and deputy athletic director in March 2019, following 10 years as athletic director at Weber State University. He was appointed interim athletic director in November 2022.
