Washington State University’s John Thompson attempts catch with Washington defensive back Taylor Rapp tackling during the annual Apple Cup in Pullman on Nov. 25, 2016. Huskies won 45-17.(Kevin Clark / Herald file)

Washington State University’s John Thompson attempts catch with Washington defensive back Taylor Rapp tackling during the annual Apple Cup in Pullman on Nov. 25, 2016. Huskies won 45-17.(Kevin Clark / Herald file)

New audit finds extensive mismanagement in WSU athletics

Problems included possible inflation of home football attendance and improper ticket giveaways.

  • By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press
  • Thursday, May 3, 2018 10:51am
  • NorthwestSports

By Nicholas K. Geranios / Associated Press

SPOKANE — A new internal audit has found extensive mismanagement within the Washington State University Athletics department, including the possible inflation of home football attendance and the improper distribution of free tickets to football games.

The audit, completed in mid-April, comes as leaders of the Pullman school grapple with a $67 million athletic budget deficit built up over recent years.

The audit also found problems with contract management, ethics training, attendance data, benefits for athletics employees and cash handling in the ticket office.

The school responded to the audit by saying changes were coming because of the hiring of a new director of athletics, Pat Chun, and other top administrators.

Chun was hired in January to replace Bill Moos, now at Nebraska, who was in charge during the audit period.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Shorewood’s Kai Ayers yells in celebration after scoring a goal during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorewood boys soccer keeps shared league title hopes alive

The Stormrays defeat Archbishop Murphy 2-1, need one more win to tie Wildcats atop Wesco South.

Mariners surge into first place in AL West

The injuries continue to mount and the roster turnover continues… Continue reading

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 20-26

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 20-26. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Lake Stevens’ Mara Sivley pitches during the game against Glacier Peak on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, April 30

Vikings close in on postseason berth.

Snohomish’s Luke Davis (24) pitches during a District 1 3A baseball game between Meadowdale and Snohomish at Snohomish High School on Monday, April 30, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. Snohomish won, 3-1. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Wednesday, April 30

Snohomish, Monroe, Jackson eke out wins, push for postseason.

Prep roundup for Wednesday, April 30

Bruins tennis sweeps singles

Kamiak senior Yegor Tarasov (left) jumps to head the ball Lake Stevens senior Shad Schmitt tries to defend him during Kamiak's 2-1 win in Lake Stevens, Washington on April 29, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Kamiak boys soccer spoils Lake Stevens’ senior night

The Knights improve their postseason odds while the Vikings lose their second in a row.

Outfielder Jonny Farmelo, the Mariners' No. 6-rated prospect, joined the Everett AquaSox on Tuesday, April 29. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Mariners)
Outfielder Jonny Farmelo Assigned To AquaSox

The Mariners’ Top 10 prospect homered in his first game as a Frog.

Monroe junior Julian Perez slips past a Snohomish defender before assisting the opening goal of the Bearcats' 4-1 win at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Snohomish, Washington on April 4, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer roundup for Tuesday, April 29

Julian Perez scores four goals to keep Monroe perfect in league play.

Monroe’s Vivian Knuckey (22) swings during a 3A softball game between Monroe and Auburn Riverside at the regional athletic complex in Lacey, Washington on Friday, May 24, 2024. Monroe fell, 18-4. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Tuesday, April 29

Vivian Knuckey walks off a crucial league win for Monroe.

Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 29

Stanwood girls tennis dominates doubles for a league win.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up before the Buffaloes play host to North Dakota State at Folsom Field on Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post / Tribune News Services)
NFL fines Falcons, coach for Shedeur Sanders prank call

The NFL fined the Atlanta Falcons and their defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.