Abbott to stay as Maine AD until search

Walter Abbott will continue on as the director of athletics at the University of Maine until the search process is reopened and a permanent replacement is hired.

Abbott, who was in San Diego on Friday for the NCAA Convention, confirmed that he will continue to hold down the fort on an interim basis.

“I’ve talked with President (Fred) Hutchinson and he would like to have me stay on until permanent athletic director is named,” Abbott said. “I’ve agree to do that, and it’s that simple.”

Abbott has been the acting AD since April 15, when Mike Ploszek stepped down amidst accusations that he tried to conceal possible violations of NCAA eligibility rules at the university. There had been other revelations of certification and eligibility mistakes prior to that time.

“He and President Hutchinson have tentatively agreed to an extension of Walt’s existing arrangement,” said UMaine spokesman John Diamond. “There are some details to be worked out, so it’s not final at this point.”

Abbott previously had voiced his concern about not being able to resume his teaching duties should he stay on during the spring. That could be a sticking point in the negotiations.

Jack McDonald, one of the three finalists for the Maine AD post last fall, was released from his contract at the University of Denver earlier this way. Diamond said a Denver newspaper report suggesting that McDonald might be headed to Maine was off base.

“One of the news reports out in Colorado had speculated that that’s why (McDonald) stepped down,” Diamond said. “There is no truth to that rumor or that report.”

UMaine is expected to resume its search process sometime next spring.