Interrupted by a phone call from Chancellor Flandus McClinton on March 25, Head Coach of the men’s basketball team, Roman Banks, was notified that he had a new position under his belt.
From the basketball court to the apex of the Athletic Department, Banks was named the Interim Athletic Director as well as remaining Head Coach of the men’s basketball team until his four month stint is over. Former Athletic Director, William Broussard, will be reinstated in August of 2015 after the certification process has been completed and submitted to the NCAA.
With Broussard demoted, Banks now answers the call of the responsibility of the academic ban that has been in place since November of 2013. During a press conference, Banks explained that through his newly appointed dual-role position, he wishes to continue the hard work that was being done before him.
“I’m going to put my best foot forward when it comes to this process, and do great like the man before me has,” said Banks.
Fans, alumni and students are wondering what happened to the former Athletic Director.
“I have no answers for what happened to him, but I will be waiting for a phone call from him,” said Banks. “I believe the fans deserve answers, but at this time I think if the former AD cannot speak then no one can speak. In time, I believe they will. I’m pretty sure in the future, we as a whole will look forward to speaking about it,” finished Banks.
Banks believes he was considered for the position because he began his Athletic Director career at Southern University at Shreveport in 1994. He also brought the basketball team through the individual Academic Progress Rate battle that sent Southern to March Madness in Spring of 2013. Banks has also been present alongside Broussard with the NCAA on behalf of Southern.
“I was surprised to get the position, but I think those qualifications included me in the decision,” said Banks. “No one knows what happened, or even why, but we have a common goal; get the ban straight,”
The only thing left to do is send accurate information to the NCAA so SU sports can return to postseason play, earn championships, and recruit new players.
Since Banks has undertaken the new position, he’s leaving the responsibility of practices to his Assistant Coach, giving him a chance to be in the coach’s position. Banks says he never wanted the position of Athletic Director so soon, but later in his career.
“I will try and do this again when my wife tells me to put my whistle up,”
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Roman Banks appointed new Interim Athletic Director
March 30, 2015
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