Howard athletics director fired

Howard University has fired athletics director Hank Ford by not renewing his contract beyond its June 30, 2000 expiration date.

Hank Ford

Ford had been in the position for four years coming from Alfred University in Alfred, NY where he was director of athletics and physical education.Prior to going to Alfred, Ford was assistant director of athletics at Hampton University from 1987-91 following a 12 year stint as the Pirates head men's basketball coach.

Howard has appointed senior women's administrator Sondra Norrell-Thomas as interim AD pending the results of a national search.

Ford's last six months at Howard were full of controversy.

Most recently, the Washington Post reported that the NCAA had charged the school with lacking institutional control over its men's basketball and baseball teams in connection with an investigation of recruiting and other violations in those programs.

Last January, school officials fired men's basketball coach Kirk Saulney, his two paid assistants and a volunteer assistant coach for recruiting violations.

There were also allegations, yet unproven, centering around the women's basketball program which probably also contributed to the loss of confidence in Ford.

Norrell-Thomas is no stranger to athletics administration. She has been at the university for over 30 years and served as the first coordinator of women's sports at Howard. Currently serving as the executive assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Norrell-Thomas also serves as a consultant for the MEAC Council of Presidents/Chancellors. She is also a member of the NCAA Academic Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet.

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