COD Hires Investigator to Look Into Football Program

The College of the Desert football team, one of the most successful in Southern California, is now the subject of an investigation by the College itself.

Following a number of criminal incidents amongst current and past players, the college will undertake a top-to-bottom evaluation of the Roadrunner football program.

The strongest evidence came from a Desert Sun investigation into the program, which included allegations of illegal recruiting and a lack of control over players.

College of the Desert issued a statement Wednesday afternoon, reading in part:

"As a result of the evaluation today of the Superintendent/President the following action was taken: 

Given the seriousness of the allegations regarding eligibility and recruitment practices, the Desert Community College District Board of Trustees has directed the Superintendent/President to seek the services of an independent investigator, retired District Attorney of Riverside County Grover Trask, to conduct a full and comprehensive, independent review of the football program, including the student Code of Conduct. 

Mr. Trask will be asked to provide regular updates to the Board of Trustees regarding his investigation."  

The COD program has had its link to problems recently including:

during an off campus fight between player Jamie Smith and former player Clifford Jean-Baptiste over stolen items.  

An officer-involved shooting death of a , Frank Tanavasu, who allegedly was involved in a home invasion robbery - along with a and a - in February 2012.