Sun Apr 20 08:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Kent State Fires Football Coach Kenni Burns Amidst Financial Irregularities

**Kent, OH** – Kent State University has fired football coach Kenni Burns for cause following an investigation into financial misconduct, according to documents obtained by The Athletic. The investigation, conducted by the Vorys law firm at the request of the state attorney general’s office, revealed several concerning issues.

Key findings include a six-figure loan Burns received from Michael Awad, a university vendor and booster, without disclosing the arrangement. While no direct quid pro quo was found, the report deemed the loan “highly questionable” and a violation of Ohio ethics rules, citing the potential for conflict of interest. Burns subsequently repaid the loan with interest.

The investigation also uncovered approximately $16,000 in questionable expenses on Burns’ university purchasing card, including undocumented travel, personal purchases, and an unsubstantiated bill at a restaurant owned by Urban Meyer. Although Burns reimbursed some of these expenses and provided documentation for others, the report stated the misuse was “beyond anything they had ever seen with any other KSU employee.”

The report further noted that Kent State had initially failed to properly compensate Burns for media fees, resulting in a late lump-sum payment.

Burns’ attorney, Lee Hutton III, criticized the process, claiming a lack of due process and stating that Burns had previously cleared his relationship with Awad through the athletic director. Hutton also disputed the findings regarding the purchasing card, citing a lack of proper training. He confirmed that Kent State offered Burns a settlement, which he rejected.

While the investigation did not substantiate allegations of on-the-job drinking, abusive treatment of staff, or excessive gambling, the report’s inclusion of these unsubstantiated allegations has been questioned by Burns’ attorney.

Burns, who compiled a 1-23 record over two seasons with the Golden Flashes, had four years remaining on his contract. His base salary for this year was $495,000, plus $50,000 in media fees.

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