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FSU, Hart Finalize Parting Of Ways

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By SCOTT CARTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 25, 2007

TALLAHASSEE Dave Hart, who guided Florida State's athletic department through its greatest growth spurt the past 13 years, envisioned finishing his career at FSU. That all changed last summer when FSU president T.K. Wetherell informed Hart via a letter that his contract would not be renewed when it expired in January 2009.

So, rather than continue in his lame-duck status, Hart finalized details of what he termed "a very amicable separation agreement" Thursday morning in Wetherell's office, officially ending his reign as FSU's athletic director. As part of the agreement, Hart will receive a one-time payment of $475,000 before Jan. 31, and he will be paid additional contract incentives exceeding $50,000. He will remain on FSU's athletic department staff until Dec. 31.

"I will leave here with a feeling of accomplishment and pride," said Hart, who became emotional at times during a 35-minute press conference. "Would I have liked to finish my contract? I would have. But again, that was not the fairest thing to the people I've been privileged to work with.

"Now is the time for everybody to move on. I think not to do so, would not be the right thing. The uncertainty can become paralyzing for staff, to coaches, and for the fan base. The university should always come first."

Hart, 58, took over as FSU's athletic director in 1995 after spending 12 years at East Carolina. During his tenure, Hart spearheaded major fundraising campaigns to upgrade FSU's athletic facilities, including the construction of a $10 million men's and women's basketball training facility. He also served on the boards of several national committees and Atlantic Coast Conference committees. After he leaves FSU, Hart said he will work as a consultant to ACC Commissioner John Swofford next spring until he finds a more permanent position.

"He's done an excellent job while he was here," FSU football coach Bobby Bowden said after Thursday's practice.

Hired by former FSU president Sandy D'Alemberte, Hart was left in limbo when Wetherell informed him he would not be retained when his contract expired. Wetherell, former Florida Speaker of the House and a FSU football player in the 1960s, took over as school president on Jan. 6, 2003. Since then, there has been rampant talk of how Wetherell and Hart's managing styles don't mix. Wetherell is a master politician with deep ties to the university, while Hart, who played basketball at Alabama, is more of a corporate CEO type. Hart's contract paid him more than $550,000 annually, more than $200,000 than Wetherell makes.

Hart refused to say if he was provided any reasons for his termination — "I think that's just a presidential decision, which he has every right and every authority to make — but admitted the past few months have been difficult.

"I'm past a lot of that. It took a while," Hart said. "I mean, I'll always be disappointed. When you love something as genuinely as I love Florida State, it's tough. But, this is best for Florida State, to move forward."

Wetherell did not attend Hart's press conference and was unavailable for comment. He is holding a press conference this afternoon to announce an interim AD, expected to be state Rep. Bill Proctor, a former FSU football player with long-standing ties to Wetherell.

Hart said the school's ongoing investigation of an academic fraud scandal that involves 23 FSU student-athletes had no impact on his departure.

"I have no concern [about outside perception] because there is no connection," he said. "I leave with very, very good feelings about Florida State."

Reporter Scott Carter can be reached at (850) 294-3088 or scarter@tampatrib.com

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