A former top administrator at University of South Florida is speaking out for the first time about the series of events that cost him his job.

  • Samuel Bradley dismissed from USF in June
  • Bradley insists he did not hide information during his hiring process
  • Report shows USF failed to follow up on Bradley's references during process

Samuel Bradley used to head the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communication, until USF learned about allegations he had inappropriate relationships with students at his previous school.

Bradley resigned from Texas Tech three days before interviewing with USF. The school says Bradley didn’t disclose information about why he was leaving during his interview.

“I don’t think I did anything wrong,” Bradley said in an exclusive interview. “I’ve been accused of omitting information. But I did not omit that information. I was very clear that I had resigned, and there was some pressure to do so. It was a mutual agreement and I admitted no wrongdoing, and it included a clause that said I not say anything disparaging about the University for the duration of my lifetime.”

Bradley says he was unaware there was an 87 page report Texas Tech compiled after his resignation, which included interviews and other pieces of the investigation. That paperwork came to light after Bradley was hired as an administrator at USF.

Bradley also notes he disagrees with much of the report, calling it hearsay.

“The first time I ever saw that report was when you shared it with me,” said Bradley.

USF says Bradley lied and withheld information regarding Texas Tech's investigation into his behavior, in addition to withholding his reasons for resigning.

“I did not hide that there was an investigation. I did not hide that I was on leave when I was there. People were actually just not very interested in following up on those questions,” said Bradley.

USF has released a detailed report conducted by a Tampa law firm that shows the school failed to call even one of Bradley’s references. The report concludes that even if the school called references, it’s unclear if that would have impacted his hiring.

In response to this incident, the school will implement a system-wide policy that requires three satisfactory references from each potential employee. One of those references must be the applicant’s direct supervisor. The same rules will go for current employees looking to transfer or get a promotion.

Bradley says he has a lawyer and plans to fight to keep his job.