https://www.instagram.com/p/BdeRj6xFKb4/
Rich Rodriguez has been let go as head coach at Arizona and now we’re learning details from a sexual harassment claim that has been filed by Melissa Wilhelmsen, who served as Rich Rod’s assistant. The lawsuit is looking for $7.5 million. Rich Rod doesn’t dispute that there was some extramarital action going on, but said on Twitter that “I am not a perfect man but the claims by my former assistant are simply not true and her demands for a financial settlement are outrageous.”
Whatever the case, he’s out at Arizona and now the school has a former assistant going after the coach in court and the her allegations include smells of BBQ chips, Rich Rod grabbing his nuclear button in front of Melissa and a long list of other actions that paint a picture, if true, of a coach who was all horned up.
From the lawsuit:
Not long after that, Rodriguez gave Melissa a wad of cash, approximately $1,500, and asked her not to tell Jason or his wife about it. She wasn’t sure whether the cash was for her or whether Rodriguez just wanted her to hold the money. When Rodriguez explained that the money was for her and insisted that she use it for outside costs like food and gas money. Then he demanded that Melissa take him to the airport the next day. Rodriguez ended the conversation by whispering to Melissa, “I have more cash to give you.” She recalls him being so close to her face that she could smell the BBQ chips on his breath. He then grazed her breast with his hand as he awkwardly reached towards her for a hug. Melissa left the office feeling violated. Rodriguez then texted her that she may need to come to his home late that night to help him with the dog, because his wife and daughter had already left on vacation.
Melissa came home and told Jason about having to take Rodriguez to the airport the next morning and about needing to help with the dog that evening. Jason was upset, and refused to let her go to Rodriguez’s house. Melissa texted Rodriguez that if he needed help with the dog, she and Jason would come over to help. The following texts were sent:
Rodriguez: “just you,,
Melissa: “I’m loyal to you and will always cover for you but it can’t be me”
Rodriguez: “You know I love you” [with a kissing face emoji]
Melissa: “No! It can’t be me”
Rodriguez: “Ha. I’ll see you in the morning.”
…
August 11, 2017, was Melissa’s last day. Rodriguez’s wife cornered Melissa in the office and demanded to know the truth about Rodriguez’s girlfriend. She asked about a photograph taken of Rodriguez and his girlfriend. Melissa admitted that she knew about the girlfriend and apologized for not telling her sooner. She demanded to have a meeting between herself, Melissa and Rodriguez. Melissa did not agree, as she did not want to get further involved. Later on that day, apparently after arguing with his wife, Rodriguez stormed out of his office yelling about his wife, “What the fuck is wrong with her?” and “Who is trying to ruin me?” Afterwards Rodriguez’s wife called and texted Melissa incessantly to the point where Rodriguez called Melissa to apologize for his wife’s harassment.
There’s plenty more to read. As for the Wildcats, they finished the season 7-6, losing 4 of 5, including a bowl loss to Purdue. Rich Rod leaves as a 54-year-old fired coach who has a boatload of money, a ravaged marriage and a lawsuit to handle with an old slam piece.
