Following drug probe, University fires J Robinson as wrestling coach

Robinson, the team’s coach of nearly 30 years, came under fire in May after allegations surfaced that he tried to internally handle prescription drug abuse and selling by members of his team.

Image by Daily File Photo

Wrestling head coach J Robinson will be inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame on Thursday. Robinson has been coaching the team for 26 years.

by Emily Polglaze

Published September 7, 2016

Embattled Gophers head wrestling coach J Robinson has been terminated, the University of Minnesota announced Wednesday afternoon.

Robinson had been placed on paid administrative leave in June after allegedly failing to report the sale and abuse of Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug, by members of the wrestling team.

Authorities declined to pursue criminal charges against Robinson or members of the team after an investigation was launched. The findings of an internal investigation will be released Wednesday afternoon.

Robinson was Minnesota’s head coach for nearly 30 seasons. Former assistant head coach Brandon Eggum was announced as the team’s interim head coach for the upcoming season.

University Athletics Director Mark Coyle will hold a press conference later this afternoon.