Towson AD reflutes claim of excessive practice time

Towson, MD – Towson University athletic director Mike Waddell refuted a former football player's accusation Tuesday that head coach Rob Ambrose exceeded the team's practice limit and then reported inaccurate times to the university's compliance department.

Former Towson linebacker Trevor Walker, who left the team last week, made the claim in The Towerlight, the university newspaper.

Ambrose was named the 2011 Eddie Robinson Award as FCS coach of the year.

"Earlier this fall, a former Towson University student-athlete brought to the attention of the Assistant AD for Compliance, allegations of miscalculated football practice times and his concern for the welfare of our football student-athletes," Waddell said in a statement.

"Towson University Athletics takes any allegations regarding the welfare of our student-athletes and NCAA violations very seriously. The Assistant AD for Compliance immediately conducted a full investigation. No improprieties regarding practice times were found and no findings indicated that the physical well-being of football student-athletes was placed in jeopardy."

Walker also accused Ambrose and defensive coordinator Matt Hachmann of verbally mistreating team members.

"As a matter of departmental protocol, the language that was reportedly used between the coaches and student-athletes would not be in line with the core values of Towson University and Towson Athletics," Waddell said. "This is being addressed with all parties involved, coaches, staff and student- athletes.

Towson has a 3-4 record this season, including 2-2 in CAA Football.