Southern University has fired Athletic Director Greg LaFleur. A reverse sting operation conducted last Sunday by Houston police has the 52-year-old LaFleur charged with allegedly soliciting prostitution from an undercover police officer. Southern’s athletic director for six years, the Ville Platte, La., native and LSU star former NFL tight end was released Monday on $500 bond. LaFleur played for the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Cardinal and Indianapolis Colts.
Southern’s chancellor, Kofi Lomotey, had kind words for LaFleur. Still, he reinforced that the university’s top administrators agreed that dismissing LaFleur would stabilize the program. “We think we made the best decision in the interest of Southern University. Given the circumstances, I think it would be difficult for the university to move forward with Mr. LaFleur as the head of the athletic program,” Lomotey stated. “I appreciate his effort and the hard work he put in during some difficult situations. I speak for the rest of my staff in wishing him well.”
Southern’s Board of Supervisors will receive a recommendation from Lomotey for women’s basketball coach Sandy Pugh to take over as athletic director on an interim basis. “Bringing Sandy Pugh into the job provides us with someone who has done a great job of recruiting student athletes, who is a rising star in her profession and who commands respect immediately,” he added.
