Oregon Public Broadcasting

Two inquiries have cleared the University of Oregon of serious wrongdoing, in its multi-million dollar separation with athletic director Mike Bellotti.

The Oregon Attorney General reviewed legal services at U of O and concluded that the legal representation was “deficient.” But, the AG found that the decision to settle with Bellotti for $2.3 million dollars was reasonable.

A simultaneous audit by the Oregon University System found that certain policies – such as having written contracts - hadn’t been followed.

The audit also recommended that the board and university president have stronger oversight of sports and high-value contracts.

UO President, Richard Lariviere, heard summaries of the two reviews Thursday.

Richard Lariviere: “We have had clear determination that the Bellotti separation agreement -- the buyout -- was lawful and reasonable. And that the problems that gave rise to all of this were identified and have been remedied on the campus.”

Lariviere emphasized that all reviews have concluded the same thing – that private donors, rather than taxpayers, paid Bellotti’s tab.

Higher ed board members approved working immediately to implement their auditor’s recommendations.