UCLA Athletics official resigns amid allegations of misconduct
By Daily Bruin
July 2, 2013 1:16 p.m.
This post was updated at 4:10 p.m.
A UCLA Athletics official resigned Thursday, after he was placed on leave for alleged inappropriate conduct, the university said in a statement today.
Michael Sondheimer, who was UCLA’s associate athletic director for recruiting, was placed on administrative leave on June 3 after the university learned about the alleged misconduct, according to the statement.
The university has not provided details on what the allegations entail, but said in the statement that they are unrelated to Sondheimer’s job at UCLA Athletics and did not involve students or any other university employees.
Sondheimer is a member of the UCLA Communications Board, which oversees UCLA Student Media and its student-run publications, including the Daily Bruin.
Sondheimer’s term ends at the end of July, said Arvli Ward, UCLA Student Media director and an ex-officio member of the UCLA Communications Board. The new board members will be confirmed in the fall, Ward added.
On May 30, Operation Riptide claimed that Sondheimer attempted to engage in sexual chats with children online.
The site, which aims to “combat adults who frequent children’s chatrooms and attempt to engage children in sexually explicit dialogue,” has been temporarily disabled because of high traffic.
CBS2 reported on Operation Riptide’s claims earlier today.
UCLA officials declined to comment on Operation Riptide’s allegations beyond the university’s statement.
The university and university police are investigating the alleged misconduct, according to the statement.
Compiled by Jillian Beck and Naheed Rajwani, Bruin senior staff.
