http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/news/022805_nw_coach.html

Coach Controversy Near End?


February 28, 2005 — It appears the ongoing Stacy Johnson-Klein matter could be wrapped up in the next couple days, when the coach will either be reinstated or fired from her job.

The review conducted by the legal team for the California State University chancellor has focused on two major issues — improperly obtaining prescription pain medication and whether Johnson-Klein defrauded or embezzled thousands of dollars from the athletic department.

Several sources have told Action News that the university became alarmed when it was notified by an area doctor who felt the coach had a problem with vicoden, that she had been cut off by her doctor, and wanted other doctors alerted she may come to them to get more.

It was then learned she was accused of seeking pain pills from players, trainers and athletic department employees.

The coach's lawyer says she only took one pill, one time from a player.

The other major area being probed involves allegations of inappropriate handling of finances at Fresno State.

Among the incidents reviewed are accusations she used university money to travel to events that never took place, such as a July recruiting trip to scout players at events in Australia and China. Athletic department administrators were later told of accusations there was no tournament in China.

Action News has previously reported Johnson-Klein is accused of falsifying expense accounts. It has since been learned among the items reviewed was a single team-meal bill totalling $700.

The only documentation Action News can find of any past financial problems for the coach is a 1997 bankruptcy in Oklahoma.

Stacy Johnson-Klein or her lawyer would not comment on these new more detailed accusations.

The university also won't comment, and it is not known whether the investigation has confirmed any of these allegations. While the outcome of the review is not known, multiple campus sources say the matter should be concluded no later than Tuesday.