An investigation by the Illinois State University campus media outlet WGLT.org has resulted in the abrupt resignation of the school's athletics director after a WGLT investigation uncovered questionable spending by athletics leader on a trip to woo a potential benefactor.
Per WGLT, Kyle Brennan amassed more than $23,000 in questionable expenditures on a December 2021 junket to the Big Ten Championship football game.
The outlet reported that the expenses of Brennan and others on the trip included, but were not limited to, almost $19,000 in secondary market tickets from an online ticket broker for the game, which saw Michigan win and advance to the College Football Playoff, as well as ride services, hotel rooms and, in part, a trip to the Red Garter Gentleman's Club in downtown Indianapolis.
Brennan resigned, effective at month's end, Thursday just before WGLT released its investigative report. He had submitted an expense report for the trip that labeled it as "donor stewardship."
“The Redbird community has a deep loyalty and commitment to Illinois State as shown by the rich culture of philanthropy at the University," ISU said in a general statement not attributed to any individual. "Donor relationships fostered with individuals and organizations seek philanthropic investments that help advance the ISU experience for students, faculty, and staff,” ISU said in a statement. “While donor cultivation activities are an integral part of building and maintaining donor relations, they are expected to be fiscally reasonable and responsible, and to be consistent with the University’s mission and values. These practices are continually under review.
"The University has been made aware that spending for some cultivation activities appears to be inconsistent with the University’s mission and values. The University will be conducting a full financial audit of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.”
Less than a year ago, Illinois State officials had moved to lock up Brennan with a long-term contract extension that included a hefty raise and that extended Brennan's pact with the school deep into 2027.
Per that revamped contract, Brennan was set to earn a base salary of nearly $250,000 plus be eligible for various performance incentives that ranged from academic to athletics performance accomplishments.