Curtis Blackwell officially serves as Michigan State's director of college advancement and performance but that reportedly won't be his title for much longer. The football coach has been suspended since early February and Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press brings word that the Spartans plan to let him go at the end of his contract on Wednesday, May 31.
University spokesman Jason Cody, in an email to the Free Press, confirmed that coach Mark Dantonio has decided not to renew Blackwell's contract, which is set to expire May 31. A spokesman for MSU's football program said there is no announcement on staff changes or reassignment or roles with Blackwell's pending contract expiration.
Blackwell's suspension began on Feb. 9, which happens to be the same date that three players were suspended in conjunction with an alleged sexual assault. Solari brings further detail of the circumstances surrounding Blackwell's current leave from the program.
A letter from athletic director Mark Hollis in Blackwell's personnel file that was obtained via the Freedom of Information Act said the 39-year-old Blackwell was suspended for "several allegations regarding your conduct." Hollis ordered Blackwell to not have any contact with MSU athletes or recruits on or off campus during his suspension and was not permitted to attend department events or functions.
It does not come as a shock that Blackwell would be let go given the status of the suspension but this continues to be a situation worth monitoring in the future.
