URI tries to distance itself from “Operation Varsity Blues” college admission scandal

Women’s tennis coach was named in indictments for misconduct while he was Georgetown’s coach

Here is URI’s official statement:

The University of Rhode Island today was made aware of an indictment of head women’s tennis coach Gordon Ernst related to incidents that allegedly took place while he was head coach at Georgetown University.  As a result, the University has placed Ernst on administrative leave while it continues to review the matter. Ernst was hired by URI in August 2018 as head coach. He has not been involved in the recruitment of any current players nor in the signing of any new recruits. 

According to MassLive.com “Federal records said Ernst received bribes between 2012 and 2018 while coaching at Georgetown from William “Rick” Singer, the man authorities claim was at the head of the scheme.”

The feds intend to seek $2.7 million plus asset forfeiture from Ernst. Ernst owns, among other things, a $530,00 condo in Falmouth, MA.