The Sock 'Em, Bust 'Em Board Because that's our custom

WVU presents other side

No doubt perturbed by the fact many of the people writing bad things about him and his athletic program never bothered to call and check with him, WVU Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong gave his account of his relationship with former football Coach Rich Rodriguez.

However, Pastilong said Rodriguez never complained to him about the buyout contained in the deal.

“Rich never expressed any concerns to me regarding the buyout during that period of time,” Pastilong said Wednesday during an interview in his WVU Coliseum office.

Again Wednesday, WVU was dealing with the backlash from an Internet story critical of the university and athletic department. WVU has come out on the short end of several Web site stories by national writers in recent weeks.

The story posted late Tuesday on ESPN.com included quotes from multiple unnamed sources, including a “West Virginia booster,” and Pastilong. The story was critical of Gov. Joe Manchin and called into question the leadership of first-year university President Mike Garrison as well.

“It’s is a concern, the portrayal West Virginia University is getting from the national media,” Pastilong said. “I’m pleased with the state and local media in that for the most part, they verify information with us before printing it.

“The national people haven’t done that, as evidenced by this (story) today. It’s confusing to me as to why the information is being provided at all, relative to West Virginia University, without them contacting our athletic department to verify.

“It’s not only the content, but the purpose there.”