Taylor Meeks

Sports Writer

Idaho State University has launched a full investigation regarding complaints made by ISU safety Jayson Miller, stating he’d received unfair and targeted treatment by members of the coaching staff.

On Nov. 14, 2018, Miller sent a written statement alleging inappropriate communication from assistant coach Jay Staggs, a lack of playing time, an alleged assault by head coach Rob Phenicie at an away game and misinformation about his eligibility status.

The investigation began immediately on Nov. 15 after Miller’s statement was submitted. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, an entirely independent department from other campus units, including Idaho State Athletics.

Within the statement, Miller provided evidence of derogatory text messages involving race- and gender-based themes that were sent to multiple ISU football players by assistant coach Jay Staggs in late September and early October.

After thorough investigation, ISU found Staggs to be at fault and he was immediately relieved of his duties on Nov. 26. He was also issued a non-renewal of his coaching contract the same day.

“When Idaho State University learned about the inappropriate text messages to players, we took immediate and swift action. Conduct of this nature is absolutely unacceptable,” interim athletic director Pauline Thiros said. “We aim to provide an environment based on the values of equity, inclusion, and respect for all people. We will not stand for actions that belittle or are disrespectful.”

ISU President Kevin Satterlee added, “That represents a culture we do not find acceptable in our programs and goes against everything our University supports.”

Another part of Miller’s complaint maintains that he was allegedly assaulted by head coach Rob Phenicie at the Cal-Poly football game in San Luis Obispo, California, on Nov. 10.

During the halftime locker room talk, Phenicie allegedly hammer-punched Miller on his shoulder pads. After the student-athlete asked Phenicie to not have any more physical contact with him, the head coach allegedly hammer-punched him on the shoulder pads a second time.

“Idaho State University takes all allegations of physical assault extremely seriously,” Satterlee said. “The experience of our student-athletes is important to us. When our University receives a complaint, we will have the matter thoroughly investigated. Based on the investigation findings we will always take the right and appropriate action to ensure that we create an environment that is safe and supportive. Our students deserve that. We will continue to work through the investigative process with that outcome in mind.”

Miller also included in his complaint that he was misinformed about his eligibility status. This allegation is still being investigated.

Due to an unexpected injury, the student-athlete used a medical redshirt in the 2017 season. He was told by athletic staff that he would have another year of eligibility.

At the end of the 2018 season, it was discovered that the ISU Department of Athletics did not appropriately handle Miller’s redshirt situation. He was then informed that he was a senior and his eligibility clock had run out.

ISU acknowledges that the Department of Athletics did not submit the proper eligibility documentation and that the department had failed to inform Miller at the beginning of the 2018 fall season.

The university will honor the student-athlete’s scholarship through May 2020, although the investigation behind the reasons of the improperly processed eligibility request is still ongoing.

“It’s apparent that our department failed to follow proper protocol regarding eligibility for the student-athlete, and we created a clear expectation for him that he would have an additional year,” Thiros said. “For that, we apologize and are doing all we can to pursue that year of eligibility for him now. Whatever the outcome, we will honor our scholarship commitment.”

When the university receives an internal complaint, an initial inquiry into the matter is conducted by an office independent of where the incident occurred. A trained investigator is assigned to the case, and relevant parties and witnesses are interviewed. After conducting interviews and collecting all related information, a final report is compiled. Final findings and recommendations are provided to university leadership, which may include sanctions, disciplinary actions or program improvements. The investigative timeline varies by case; however, ISU aims to complete all investigations within 90 days.

In respect to the ongoing investigations, the university will not be able to comment further on the matter beyond their press release.