Oregon State A.D. Hands In Resignation

Dutch Baughman, saying he’s grown tired under mounting criticism for his handling of Oregon State’s athletic department, resigned as athletic director on Tuesday.

Baughman, clad in his customary cowboy boots and blue jeans, denied he was being forced out of the job, saying he would have served the final 11 months of his contract if he wanted to do so.

“This decision is my own,” Baughman said at a news conference. “I’ve not been forced out, fired or bought out … I’ve become tired, weary and plain worn out.”

Baughman, 48, has headed the athletic department since 1990.

Baughman drew criticism for his decisions to retain basketball coach Jimmy Anderson for the 1995-96 season and for keeping Jerry Pettibone as football coach after a 1-10 season in 1995.