Georgia State fired head men's tennis coach Joerg Barthel and assistant Cesar Vargas for what it described as minor NCAA infractions as well as violations of university and athletic department policy in an announcement on March 31.
An AJC review of hundreds of documents related to the university's internal review of both coaches uncovered that there were more than minor NCAA violations that concerned Georgia State.
Barthel was fired amid allegations of gambling, drinking while on university business, providing impermissible housing for student-athletes and submitting a falsified document to cover up not giving his athletes a day off from an athletic-related activity during a week. Barthel denied all of the allegations with the exception of the falsified document and wouldn't comment on the impermissible housing.
Barthel accused Vargas, among other things, of letting players stay at his residence between semesters. Vargas admitted he did this, but blamed Barthel.
One thing is clear: neither coach seemed to like the other.
Barthel on Vargas during GSU's inquiry: "[He] is not trustworthy toward the program and any accusations made towards me or Georgia State University Athletics. I believe that it is his intention to become head coach for the men's tennis team and he would do and present whatever he feels will help him achieve his individual goal."
Vargas on Barthel: "Unlike Coach Barthel, I do NOT have a drinking and/or gambling addiction/problem, and I am most certainly capable of distinguishing between right and wrong."
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