Former Memphis AD Bowen Denies Impropriety Led To Resignation

Former Univ. of Memphis AD TOM BOWEN denied that his "resignation was due to a letter" sent by school President DAVID RUDD last month "alleging behavior between Bowen and an unnamed individual that was 'a bit flirty' during a women's basketball road trip," according to Mark Giannotto of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Bowen yesterday "strongly pushed back on any suggestions of impropriety." Prior to his resignation, Bowen had "agreed to a six-month contract extension" through the end of '19. A source said that Bowen is a "candidate to become the next Southern Conference commissioner." Asked if Bowen was forced to resign, Rudd said, "I don't want to speak for Tom. That is a question Tom needs to answer. Tom submitted a resignation, and I accepted it" (COMMERCIALAPPEAL.com, 5/22).